For the last five years, the Arcadis Chicago office has partnered with University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital on their annual toy drive for patients at the hospital and their siblings.
Office administrator Nikki Batcha knows firsthand what it’s like to have a child in the hospital during the holidays. Her son received treatment at Comer’s for three years and is now a cancer survivor. A passionate volunteer, Nikki donates her time and resources to the hospital and other local organizations.
“I never would have thought my baby would be struggling for his life,” she says. “But it all changed in the blink of an eye. And now it's great and I can give back.”
The Comer Cheer Campaign invites donors to contribute resources to the hospital for the holidays and into the new year. Comer's Lead Child Life Specialist & Donations Coordinator Amy Carter says the families are grateful and often in tears when they realize the gifts in Comer’s toy store are free.
“The family reactions are wonderful,” Amy says. “Whether it's around the campaign or the holiday store or just our general programming. All year long the families have such positive things to say about the impact it has on their ability to feel like they can really care for their kids.”
Nikki says one toy can brighten a sick child’s day and, with the support of her co-workers in Chicago, she’s able to contribute in a big way all year long to a cause that’s close to her heart.
“When I came to Arcadis, I knew that this would be the perfect partnership,” she says.
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