For the last six years, Charleston residents Ava Gardner and her mom, Michelle Gardner, have created and donated "Hope Bags" to Sarah Bush Lincoln and other hospitals. Along with members of the Mattoon Academy of Gymnastics and counity members, they collected donations to help fill the bags for children in the hospital.
This year, they donated the Hope Bags to the SBL Emergency Department, and the Women and Children's, radiology and pathology units. The bags are filled with new coloring books, crayons and various toys.
Through "The Elle Project," the Gardners have led fundraising efforts that resulted in more than 650 Hope Bags being donated to Sarah Bush Lincoln throughout the years. Collection sites included Mattoon Academy of Gymnastics and the Edward Jones office in Charleston. Donations came from Mattoon, Charleston and Paris residents.
The Elle Project was started in 2016 as a remembrance of Elle Sean Kearns. Her family came up with the idea to donate toys and books to a Carbondale hospital the week before Christmas. The project has grown to include donations to 15 hospitals since.
"Once again, we want to thank Ava and Michelle and all who contributed items for these wonderful Hope Bags," SBL Foundation Director Amy Card said. "Being in the hospital, coming to the Emergency Room or having tests done can be scary, especially for children. These bags are definitely a welcome surprise for them."