Operation Love Bigger donates to Boxes of Hope | News, Sports, Jobs

PHOTO PROVIDED. Pictured, back row, from left: Lynn Duck, president, Kathy Duck, secretary, Brad Gaines, vice president, and Colton Morlock. Front row: Chayna Guiswite, Traci Fotorny, Sabrina Darby, Julie Morlock, Savannah Myers and Brad Myers.

LOCK HAVEN — The kindness of strangers can come when you least expect it and need it most. That kindness was on display when Operation Love Bigger Inc. delivered donations to Boxes of Hope and Chayna Guiswite, a breast cancer survivor.

The group raised $1,100 at a cornhole tournament held in memory of Shirley Gaines, who died of breast cancer last year. In addition to the 12 teams participating in the tournament, there was also a Chinese auction and a 50/50 drawing, and the group noticed that some people came just to show their support.

“Our plan is to make this an annual event dedicated to my mother,” Brad Gaines said.

Traci Fotorny, founder and president of Boxes of Hope, said the donation will go toward shipping costs so more care packages can be sent and more hope can be spread to women battling breast cancer. Although Shirley had received a care package before, Traci didn’t have the opportunity to meet her in person, so receiving this donation from Shirley’s family and friends was a full-circle moment for Traci.

Operation Love Bigger Inc. also wanted to express their generosity to a local breast cancer fighter, and Traci knew immediately Chayna would be the perfect candidate. “When they asked who we should donate to, Chayna immediately came to mind. I didn’t doubt for a second that she should be the one. It was as if God whispered her name to me to tell me she should be the recipient,” Traci said. At 31, Chayna’s life has irrevocably changed after she was diagnosed with Stage 3, Grade 3 breast cancer. After chemotherapy and surgery to remove the four-centimeter tumor and five lymph nodes, Chayna is now at the point where there is “no sign” of cancer. But her journey isn’t over yet, and her treatment requires her to make weekly trips to Pittsburgh. Chayna said the donation will help with travel expenses and came at just the right time. She and her family are currently looking for a new home and hope to move to the Jersey Shore area. After sharing how she’s coped with the side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss, Chayna said, “I’m just happy to be alive.”

Chayna, a former Boxes of Hope recipient, said receiving the care package was comforting and made her feel like she was not alone.

Boxes of Hope always welcomes donations of goods for their care packages. Each box contains carefully selected items designed to bring hope and comfort to the recipient, such as an inspirational book or journal, a book of word searches or crossword puzzles, socks, travel-sized tissues, lip balm, travel-sized hand lotion or hand sanitizer, bath bomb, loofah, nail art stickers, chamomile or peppermint tea bags, a chemo hat, a prayer square, and a handmade angel.

You can also help Boxes of Hope by organizing a packing party. Recently, members of the Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven packed 118 relief packages in about an hour.

On September 14, Boxes of Hope will host an interactive murder mystery fundraiser called “Murder on the High Seas.” Guests will be encouraged to wear 1920s costumes and use their detective skills to solve the mystery. Tickets go on sale at 7 a.m. on August 1, and Boxes of Hope is currently seeking corporate sponsors, silent auction donations, and volunteers to help with the event.

We also have a fundraiser where you can dedicate a chair or brick to the wall of a breast cancer fighter in honor or memory.

The members of Operation Love Bigger Inc. have joined together with a shared desire to spread love to individuals and families struggling with homelessness, addiction, recovery and disasters.

In addition to the cornhole tournament, they have organized a backpack drive to provide children with school supplies and a bingo fundraiser to help families at Christmas.

Their project for the month of July is “Choose a Date to Donate.” You can choose the day that corresponds with the amount you want to donate. For example, on the 1st day of the month it would be $1, on the 2nd day $2, and so on. Donations can be sent to @Love-Big-1 via Venmo. Proceeds will go to a family in need of school supplies. Anyone who knows of a family in need can send a letter to [email protected]. Please include the children’s names, ages, grades, and sizes, and how to reach them by phone or email. Operation Love Bigger Inc. will then choose one or two families to help.

Operation Love Bigger Inc. is always looking for more volunteers to help with their mission. Join their Facebook group for more information on how you can help.

“I am grateful that the Lord has blessed me with the ability to help others, knowing that my mother was always ready and willing to help anyone,” said Brad Gaines.