BUFFALO, N.Y. — A local charity called Hope Totes Buffalo, which started out very small during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been growing in the three years since it was founded. Now, thanks to a big donation and grants given, they'll be bringing hope to hundreds of more patients and caregivers who need it.
Colleen Marchetta's son was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease in 2014. After spending so much time in the hospital, she knew exactly how she needed to help her friend, Amy Velez, when her son was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Marchetta delivered a bag filled with necessities for caregivers.
"Inside was the binder, and she said 'Amy, you're going to be thrown so many pieces of information and you're going to have so many questions, and you're going to think of something in the middle of the night. Write it down in the notebook and you'll be able to talk to the doctor when he comes in," Velez said.
And that was the first of many Hope Totes.
"A Hope Tote is a medical bag filled with medical binder, blanket, slippers, all different care items meant bring comfort and a little organization to either a patient or a caregiver that's facing a serious medical diagnosis," Marchetta said.
They knew how a bag like that provided them with comfort, and they wanted others to feel the same way.
"When someone opens up their tote I want them to feel that comfort and love that I felt that day," Velez said.
In the first 6 months they packed and delivered about 30 Hope Totes and as of this week the total is now 1,350.
500 of those totes were packed up by volunteers this week at New Era. Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the cap company, and another $28,000 from Give 716, their effort is now far reaching.
Oishei Childrens Hospital, Roswell Park, Kevin Guest House, Ronald McDonald House, and now, even hospitals in Rochester and Pittsburgh are getting the Hope Totes.
They say that they are moms on a mission.
"We know what we're doing is making a difference and we just want to do it for more people," Marchetta said.
They rely all on the support of donations and volunteers to create the Hope Totes.
If you'd like to help, or if you or someone you know would like a tote, you can find more information on Hope Totes Buffalo website here.