Annual Impact for zach's toy chest 2025
A Letter of Gratitude
To every Zach’s Toy Chest champion – This year was powered by you.
You gave your time.
You shared your talent.
You invested in this mission.
Every action – whether sorting toys, writing Courage Cards, opening doors, giving financially, or donating new toys – directly fueled moments of joy for children navigating serious medical journeys.
Because of you, we showed up consistently. We reached more hospitals. And thousands of children received brand new toys and encouragement when they needed it most.
More than toys, you helped create moments where kids could just be kids – even inside hospital walls.
As I often say, a toy is so much more than a toy for the children who receive it. It represents comfort, choice, and a moment of normalcy in the middle of the unknown.
This report reflects what’s possible when a community chooses compassion in action.
With gratitude,
Holly Schwab
Founder & Executive Directo
Toys Donated
11,661
Hospitals Served in the Triangle
2. Ronald McDonald House Durham
3. Ronald McDonald House Chapel Hill
4. WakeMed Briar Creek HealthPlex
5. WakeMed North
6. UNC Children’s Hospital
7. WakeMed Cary
8. WakeMed Apex HealthPlex
9. Rex Holly Springs Hospital
10. WakeMed Raleigh
11. WakeMed Garner HealthPlex
12. WakeMed Wendell HealthPlex
Greenville Extension Hospitals
13. Brody Outpatient Center- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
14. James & Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital
15. Ronald McDonald House of Eastern North Carolina
OuterBanks Extension Hospitals
16. Outer Banks Hospital
Financial Breakdowns
Courage Cards
Recieved
1,825
Courage Cards Given Out
1,698
13 Volunteer Events
174 Volunteers
7,308 Volunteer hours
Community Impact
“Having been in my role for just over a year now, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the incredible impact Zach’s Toy Chest has, from generous donations to events and ongoing programming. It is truly a wonderful nonprofit organization, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with you.”
Samantha (Sami) Stahlbrodt, CCLS | Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Clinic Child Life Specialist at UNC Children’s Hospitals
“Zach’s toy chest is an incredible non profit! They are the only non profit i know of that donate toys to children with cancer YEAR ROUND. Not just during the holidays. I have had the pleasure of attending a couple of their events and they are brilliantly organized by Holly. I have had the chance to meet Holly and her son Zach who had cancer as a child. It is inspiring to see them continue to give back to others who are also affected by cancer. FIND A WAY TO GET INVOLVED!”
Gabe LeBlanc, volunteer
“Zach’s Toy Chest has incredible impact for those they serve; helping to lift the spirits of kids when they are often at their most scared and vulnerable. I’ve had the pleasure of working with the ZTC team for several events and their isn’t a more committed group of people.”
Kevin Hoverman, volunteer and supporter
“I can’t say enough good things about Zach’s Toy Chest! During my child’s oncology treatments, our family witnessed the joy and positivity that their generous toy donations have on children being treated at our local NC hospital. When my child endured a tough procedure or the 5th needle stick in a day, the promise of a small toy from the treasure chest made a huge difference in her mood & cooperation. ZTC events such as the summer’s night with Santa have been well organized and fun, something my child really looked forward to! I am so thankful that this local organization works so hard to bring joy to sick kids!”
Lori Brinn, parent of a childhood cancer survivor