Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: Chelsea Hicks Foundation

Patch talks to Alison from the Chelsea Hicks Foundation about the important work it does to support, encourage and inspire.

Patch: Tell Patch a little bit about your organization,

Chelsea Hicks Foundation: The Chelsea Hicks Foundation is a local nonprofit that was inspired by an amazing little girl that battled Wilms' tumor cancer boldly and bravely for 22 months. She passed away at the young age of 5 in 2009 and with her love of dress up and play Chelsea Anne inspired her family to create Chelsea's Closet. This is a fun and silly rolling closet full of costumes and accessories which is transported to our local children's hospitals and spreads laughter, fun and silliness. This form of active play has proven to help children battling serious illness emotionally and physically.

The children receive a NEW costume of their choice and accessories that they get to keep. CHF hosts a craft party along with a parade to show off the costumes. For many children this is their one time during the day to come out of their room and it often inspires them to get out of bed and interact with other patients. Children in isolation also have an opportunity to select a costume, accessory and craft that CHF delivers to their room. Our goal is also to support the whole family so if siblings, cousins or friends are with the child they are able to join the fun event. Our goal is to bring a smile to their faces, joy to their hearts and help them to Dance like Princesses and Fly like Superheroes while battling their disease.

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Patch: How does your organization help to strengthen the local community?

Chelsea Hicks Foundation: CHF strengthens the community by offering an emotional and physical outlet for children to have imaginative play and help change the perception of sterile hospital walls. Chelsea's Closet give the child and family fun memories of dress-up and silliness while in the hospital along with smiles and giggles that are so needed when a long hospital stay is a part of their routine.

Patch: What is the biggest struggle your organization faces?

Chelsea Hicks Foundation: We are facing two struggles currently. The first is warehouse space to support our growing operations. We have outgrown our current space which holds our offices and warehouse full of 2500 costumes, accessories and crafts. We will go through all of this over the next year and will be having events to replenish stock as well. The next struggle we have is acquiring funding for hiring staff. CHF prides itself on donated dollars going to the program and is looking for current community partners to help cover costs for staffing needs so that we can expand and serve more children. We have requests from multiple hospitals for expansion but need staff on board to make this transition happen.

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Patch: What do you hope for the future of your nonprofit?

Chelsea Hicks Foundation: Our dream goal is to have Chelsea's Closet in all children's hospitals throughout the US. Spreading silliness and dress-up and letting the children Dance like Princesses and Fly like Superheroes as much as possible. Our 3-5 year goal is to be all over the NW working with as many children as we can.

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