What they reported doing
- #1 primary $75KDONATED CLOTHING AND SUPPLIES TO UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IN SEPTEMBER
- #2 $71KPAID FOR MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ON BEHALF OF SICK CHILDREN INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO AIRLINE TICKETS, MEDICAL SUPPLIES, SCHOOL EXPENSES, WHEELCHAIRS, ETC.
What they call their work
What they do
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Holiday and Seasonal Essentials Distribution 2 activities
- Distributing toys to sick and underprivileged childrenDistributes new toys to sick and underprivileged children during the holiday season and fulfills pediatric patient wishlists year-round. Since 1992, has donated over one million new toys to children across more than 180 hospitals and child-care facilities.
- Organizing and facilitating community donation drivesEngages schools, workplaces, and organizations in collecting toys and school supplies through annual toy drives and community service activities, including staffing events and distributing flyers.
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Adaptive Equipment Provision 1 activity
- Donating therapeutic and recreational equipment to facilitiesProvides therapeutic and recreational equipment to hospitals and child-care facilities to support the well-being of sick and underprivileged children.
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Recreational and Emotional Support Programs for Children with Serious Illnesses 1 activity
- Operating a Family Fun Center for eligible childrenOperates a multi-zone recreational facility with gaming, arcade machines, arts-and-crafts, and treats for sick and underprivileged children, offering free, year-round access seven days a week.
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Back-to-School Supply Distribution 1 activity
- Providing clothing and school supplies to low-income childrenDistributes new clothes and school supplies annually in late August or early September to low-income children in kindergarten through high school. Since 2001, has provided these items to over 400,000 children.
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Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Programs 1 activity
- Providing equine-assisted therapy for children with special needsOffers equine-assisted therapy involving pony grooming, walking, and assisted riding for children with serious illnesses and special needs.
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Cancer Patient Financial and Practical Support 1 activity
- Providing financial assistance for medical and family needsProvides financial support to families for medical expenses, including airline tickets, medical supplies, and wheelchairs, and grants special wishes to children with serious illnesses throughout the year.
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Inclusive Social & Recreational Events 1 activity
- Providing transportation and recreational trips for children and familiesFinances full-day recreational trips for families, covering transportation and entry costs, and operates a dedicated van equipped with entertainment and refreshments to transport children and families to medical and recreational events.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JOHN THEISSEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 60 | $109K |
- ANTHONY AVENA — SECRETARY
- ANTHONY GATTO — TREASURER
- DANIEL THIEKE — BOARD MEMBER
- HEATHER THEISSEN — VICE PRESIDENT
- JAMES DOYLE — BOARD MEMBER
- ROBERTO FRIEDLANDER — BOARD MEMBER
- WILLIAM ZIEGLER — PRESIDENT
Who they work with
- Bethpage Federal Credit Union Partner — Co-sponsored the Best of Long Island Contest with Long Island Press, in which the foundation was recognized as Best Charity on Long Island for ten years in a row.
- Charity Navigator Government — Profiled on Charity Navigator, indicating public transparency and accountability.
- JTCF Partner — Accepts donations and coordinates toy drives with businesses, groups, and schools.
- Jelly Belly Co. Partner — Supplies treats for the "sweet station" at the Family Fun Center.
- John Theissen Children's Foundation Network — Member of the network of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in New York.
- Long Island Press Coalition — Partnered with Long Island Press and Bethpage Federal Credit Union for the Best of Long Island Contest, in which the foundation was voted Best Charity on Long Island for ten consecutive years.
- agencies and centers Partner — Partners with agencies and centers to identify and select children for the Back-to-School Program.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Material Support to Promote Dignity and School Engagementmethodology: self-esteem_through_material_supportBy providing new clothes and school supplies, the foundation reduces embarrassment and supports school attendance, because access to new, age-appropriate items enhances self-esteem and helps children participate fully in educational settings.
- Personalized Emotional Support Through Wish Fulfillmentmethodology: personalized-wish-fulfillmentBy fulfilling individualized wishlists for pediatric patients, the foundation provides emotional support and joy during illness, because feeling seen and receiving personally meaningful items can improve psychological well-being and resilience in sick children.
- Therapeutic Distraction Through Recreational Engagementmethodology: distraction-therapy_recreationBy providing recreational equipment and equine therapy, the foundation shifts children's focus away from illness or disability, because engaging in positive, enjoyable activities supports emotional well-being and serves as a form of non-clinical therapy.