Boston Staffing Firm Hollister & “Hits for Kids” Support Local Nonprofit, Christopher's Haven

Dec. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- BOSTON, Mass.,--Boston-based staffing firm Hollister is conducting a gift drive and fundraiser to benefit local nonprofit organization Christopher’s Haven this holiday season.

Christopher’s Haven is a Boston nonprofit that provides accommodation and support for children and the families of children undergoing proton radiation treatment, a relatively new cancer treatment. Unlike the more invasive photon radiation, proton radiation hones in on cancerous cells and does minimal damage to healthy tissue. Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is one of only five medical facilities in the United States to offer such treatment. As a result, children travel from around the nation, as well as from around the world, to be treated by physicians in at MGH, often for extended periods of time ranging from four to eight weeks.

The stresses of being away from home and having to travel while ill are considerably tolling for young patients. For that reason, Christopher’s Haven is conveniently located just steps from the hospital, allowing children to benefit from maximum rest and relaxation immediately following their procedures, and enabling parents to be close by during treatment. The center's seven apartments are fully decorated and furnished with all the modern conveniences of home. Common play, dining, and recreation areas allow children and families to interact and escape the pressures of their days of treatment.

"We so appreciate what the employees at Hollister are doing for our families this holiday season," said executive director Martha Bernard Welsh. "This brings special cheer to our kids and their families who will not be at their home for the holidays, but will share a memorable time with each other at Christopher's Haven, where they are part of a caring and supportive community."

The holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for children to be away from home. For that reason, Hollister's philanthropy committee opted to support Christopher’s Haven for its 2009 charitable giving initiative.  For the past three years, Hollister and Kevin Youkilis’ “Hits for Kids” program have teamed up to support various local organizations such as The Italian Home for Children, and Nativity Preparatory School.

In the month of December, Hollister’s recruiters and staff will team up to donate gifts to each of Christopher's Haven's seven resident families. While the initiative's primary purpose is to donate holiday toys to the children, the drive will also bring in gifts for parents and siblings of patients currently residing at the facility. Through a close partnership and communication between the two organizations, gifts will be tailored to the specific needs of each family.  In addition, Hollister has set up a cash donation area at its headquarters at 75 State Street in Boston.

“We are both humbled and honored to be helping these families through what is probably a very difficult holiday season,” said Kip Hollister, Founder & CEO of Hollister. “Because Christopher’s Haven is our neighbor in Boston, and because many of us know someone whose life has been affected by cancer, this cause is particularly close to home.”

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ABOUT CHRISTOPHER'S HAVEN

Christopher's Haven, a 501(c)3 independent, non-profit, provides a home away from home for families of pediatric cancer patients receiving daily outpatient treatments. Families stay in comfortable and fully equipped apartments across the street from the MassGeneral Hospital for Children, typically for 6-8 weeks. Christopher's Haven operates seven apartments and a community space. Since opening the first apartment in 2006, the charity has served 80 families.

ABOUT HOLLISTER

Hollister is a Boston-based, woman-owned, full-service staffing firm, passionate about connecting Massachusetts’ opportunity with talent in innovative and effective ways. For over 20 years, Hollister has been the bridge that connects professionals with jobs in Massachusetts, and companies with the best employees.