IRVINE : Youths With Cancer Receive Toys, Treats

More than 200 cancer-stricken children and their families received a holiday surprise this week when the Kids Cancer Connection distributed toys and food baskets to them.

The Irvine-based charity collected more than $12,000 in cash and gifts as part of its “Hooked on Hopes” fund-raiser, said Marie Scott, chairwoman of the program.

“We wanted the families really to be ready for Christmas,” Scott said. “Financially, times are tough. Even with health insurance, that doesn’t cover all the bills. For many of these families, Christmas is a lean time.”

The effort targeted needy children who are either spending the holidays in the hospital or receiving outpatient cancer treatment. Toys and food were delivered this week to five hospitals in Orange and San Bernardino counties, Scott said.

Kids Cancer Connection officials distributed stuffed animals at Children’s Hospital of Orange County in Orange and Western Medical Center in Santa Ana.

At UCI Medical Center, kids received more personalized presents, thanks to nurses who asked the families what items they needed.

“We tried to meet the needs they have,” Scott said. “Some families wanted food and toys, while others just needed toys.”

The Kids Cancer Connection is a support group founded in 1989 by parents of children with cancer.

The group sponsors scholarships, camping retreats and other programs for youths.