In a year that has seen the world impacted by an international pandemic, it’s especially important to spread extra cheer during this holiday season. That’s why, for the sixth consecutive year, your Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers are proud to continue our partnership with The Bottomless Toy Chest to bring you the Season of Giving.
Running November 16 through December 16, the Season of Giving is an annual toy drive that supports the efforts of The Bottomless Toy Chest, a nonprofit 501c(3) organization in Metro Detroit that delivers cheer in the form of new toys to pediatric patients undergoing treatment for cancer and other illnesses in local hospitals. Together, our two organizations continue to drive customers to local Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers where they can donate new toys every holiday season.
To ensure the safety of everyone involved in this year’s event, new social distancing protocols have been put in place. In years past, Silverado truck-beds at your local Metro Detroit Chevy Dealer have served as the official drop-off location for new toys. This year, toys can be donated at an official donation box located outside the dealership or just inside the front entrance, reducing foot traffic in the showroom. Afterward, all of the toys will be delivered to The Bottomless Toy Chest to be sorted and individually wrapped in cellophane.
While Season of Giving looks a little different this year, your Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers still want to do our part in bringing a little joy to these kids.
“This year, supporting The Bottomless Toy Chest will mean more than ever,” John Fox, President of the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers, said. “While COVID-19 has changed the way most of us live and work, it has not changed the fact that toys bring hospitalized children joy, distraction from disease, and a sense of normalcy. Like many non-profits, The Bottomless Toy Chest has experienced challenges in raising funds and receiving donations this year. Regardless of the pandemic, our dealers are united in making this holiday season special for children and their families.”
Since 2015, we have worked with Mickey Guisewite, the founder of The Bottomless Toy Chest, and her team to facilitate a way in which kind-hearted Metro Detroiters can spread some holiday cheer to those that might need it the most.
“We aren’t just a holiday program; we deliver toys year-round,” Guisewite said. “The amazing effort by the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers has enabled us to expand our mission to not only serve kids with cancer and other serious illnesses but also start a program to give a toy to every single child in the hospital—individually wrapped in cellophane to protect patients’ low immune systems. While we’ve had to cancel all of our in-person toy deliveries and hospital events this year, we are still making sure the toys get into the hands of the children who need them most.”
Guisewite started The Bottomless Toy Chest in 2008 after her own son was diagnosed with leukemia at age 12 and she witnessed the absolute joy he felt whenever he was gifted a new toy during his treatment. She wanted to bring that same happiness to other patients, something she knew would be greatly appreciated by not only the kids but their parents, too, who were likely struggling emotionally and financially during such a trying time.
“It’s extremely rewarding to be able to see the smiles on kids’ faces when we deliver toys. We’re paid in smiles, is what we always say,” Guisewite said. “There’s nothing quite so magical as seeing that moment when somebody who is going through something very difficult transforms within a matter of seconds when they see something that they really love that makes them feel good when they open it.”
Learn more about the Season of Giving and view a convenient “Wish List” of toys. Then, plan your trip to one of 38 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers to make a donation.
