Jessy’s Toy Box Expands Support for Young Patients Across North Dakota
NDAD is proud to support Jessy’s Toy Box in Wyndmere with a $5,000 Gibbens Memorial Grant to help bring comfort, engagement, and smiles to children receiving medical care.

Creating a More Positive Healing Environment
Through the Bringing Smiles project, Jessy’s Toy Box works with hospitals, emergency rooms, and treatment centers to ensure young patients have access to comforting and engaging resources during their care. These items help create a more supportive environment for children facing medical challenges.

Grant funding will be used to purchase and distribute toys, games, books, and other items specifically requested by partner sites—ensuring each resource meets the unique needs of the children they serve.

“We are looking to build on last year’s success and guarantee that no child undergoing medical treatment is without the comfort and engagement that these resources provide,” said Heather Haberman, President of Jessy’s Toy Box.

Supporting Emotional Well-Being Through Thoughtful Care
Beyond entertainment, these resources play an important role in supporting emotional well-being, reducing anxiety, and helping children feel more at ease during what can often be a stressful experience.

“Small moments of comfort can make a big difference for children in medical settings,” said DeAnn Burckhard, NDAD Marketing Director. “By supporting efforts like Jessy’s Toy Box, we’re helping create environments where kids can feel supported, distracted from fear, and reminded that they’re not alone.”

Continuing a Legacy of Impact
NDAD’s Gibbens Memorial Grant supports projects that enhance health, well-being, and quality of life for individuals in at-risk populations. Established in 2015 in honor of NDAD founders Faye and Ron Gibbens, the grant carries forward their legacy of creating meaningful opportunities and improving lives across North Dakota.