In early 2001,  Kindergarten Student, Haley Whatley, wanted to do something special for children in the hospital.  Her idea was to collect stuffed bunnies for pediatric patients to love and hug during their stay.  Eighteen years later, Haley’s project - now known as The Joy Project has collected over 50,000 bunnies and bears to comfort patients at Cook Children’s Medical Center.  

This year’s campaign will begin on February 24 and run through noon on March 24, 2020.

As in previous years,  we will be collecting new bunnies and bears.  This year we will also be collecting monetary donations that will go toward the purchase of toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and travel size shampoos.  

These items will help families who stay for an extended period of time at the hospital or arrive unexpectedly due to an emergency situation.

Thank you so much for your support of The Joy Project!!