Update October 4, 2011

Andrea's Closet empowers hospitals.

Andrea's Closet is shifting its focus to empower hospitals by putting supporters in direct contact with hospital foundations.  

"We have come to realize that if individual hospitals take over their respective closets it could provide all kinds of opportunities, not only for fundraising by the hospital foundations, but also for taking the toy-closet concept to a whole new level," says Kenny Brunk, founder of Andrea's Closet.

Brunk and his wife, Traci, began Andrea's Closet nine years ago after losing their daughter to cancer. At that time, hospitals typically offered children a sticker or a pencil as a small reward for undergoing a frightening and painful medical treatment.  The Brunks noticed how much more responsive and compliant Andrea became when she discovered she could get a real toy, like a Barbie Doll, after she endured her treatments, so they came up with this idea to build a closet stocked full of brand new toys.  Now, nine years later, Andrea's Closet has 35 closets in hospitals and treatment centers across Arizona.

"I really feel like our dream has been fulfilled," says Brunk.  "Hospitals are starting to come up with ways to fund closets on their own, and new pediatric hospitals are being built with the toy closets figured into the original plans. It has become almost unthinkable to treat children without a toy closet."

So now that the bar has been set, Andrea's Closet is giving its closets to the hospitals it has served so well. It makes perfect sense, according to Brunk, because many supporters already bring their toy donations directly to specific hospitals, and others simply need to be put in contact with the right people.

"We plan to take ourselves out of the position of being the middle man and allow donors and hospitals to forge relationships that can carry them into the future," says Brunk.

Through the remainder of 2011, Andrea's Closet will continue to service their closets and will work with supporters to get donations to the hospitals in their area. Beginning in January, Andrea's Closet will no longer accept donations directly. They will continue to refer donors and supporters to individual hospitals and will help hospitals set up new closets where appropriate.  They will continue to make toy deliveries until their inventory is depleted.  After that, they will operate strictly on a consulting basis.

"It really is a win-win," Brunk says. "The donors can work more closely with the hospitals, the hospitals have an additional opportunity for fundraising, and the kids still get their toys."

Andrea's Closet will begin its transition immediately. If you'd like more information about how the changes might affect you, contact the office at 623-518-4496.  

"I have really treasured our partnership with these hospitals. They have helped keep Andrea's memory alive, and they have been a huge blessing to me, to Andrea's Closet, and to all the children we have served," says Brunk.