Basket of Hope's mission is to give hope to hospitalized children diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses through the delivery of a Basket of Hope filled with age-appropriate toys, games, craft items, books, stuffed animals, and more. Hope Totes are optional for the parents and contain gifts to nourish them physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Every week many children are diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses. At the time of diagnosis, the children and their families feel overwhelmed with the news. It is important for them to know that the community cares for them and that they are not alone. Familiar items provided in an unfamiliar place bring some sense of control, normalcy, and enjoyment to the individual child, as well as siblings and other family members.
New Mexico Branch of Basket of Hope delivers gift baskets year-round to University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital Special Care, Carrie Tingley, and Infusion Units. We also provide special holiday deliveries throughout the year to all the pediatric units and pediatric hospice.
Families often send notes expressing their thanks and sharing how much the gifts have meant to them:
“I just wanted to thank you for the 'Christmas in July' basket given to my daughter while she was at UNM Hospital receiving treatment for her cancer. It was so thoughtful of you to put together the basket to make her day brighter, I can't tell you how much she and I appreciated it. Thank you again!”
“I received an Easter basket from Basket of Hope when I took my 2 year old daughter to urgent care at UNM a few weeks ago. In the middle of a stressful, difficult weekend, your basket was a happy surprise, stuffed chock-full of thoughtful toys. My daughter loved it. Thank you!”
We also recently received a message from UNM Hospital Director of Volunteer Services:
“Thank you so very much for the wonderful Christmas in July bags! You have made the staff, patients and families very happy. Your kindness and dedication spread joy and happiness to the units. We are truly blessed to have you as a part of our family. Thank you, for caring and sharing so much with our patients!”
NM Branch of Basket of Hope is all volunteer and supported by community donations. Although affiliated with the national Basket of Hope organization, each branch must do its own fundraising. All funds raised stay in NM. Your donations are used to purchase items that will be placed in a Basket of Hope. YOUR GIFT IS THE GIFT OF HOPE!
On behalf of the children and families we serve, thank you for your support.
