Art Van Furniture announced that it is creating magic by teaming with Children's Leukemia of Michigan to raise the spirit of holiday giving in the dead heat of summer. As temperatures continue to linger in the 80s and 90s, Art Van Furniture and CLF partner to bring Christmas in July for over a thousand Michigan children battling leukemia.
The season of the "Holiday Hearts Project Toy Drive" has begun at Art Van's Michigan stores and runs through July 31. Michiganders are encouraged to participate in this generous gesture by donating unwrapped new toys for children suffering from this debilitating disease, as well as their sisters and brothers.
"Living with a serious illness puts a significant strain on a family's finances, time and emotions," says Kristen West, Vice President of Patient Services. "To combat some of these stresses and make the December holidays brighter, CLF distributes gift packages to child patients and their siblings, and to the children of adult patients. Christmas in July is the centerpiece of our emotional support program."
The Christmas in July Holiday Toys Program will deliver thousands of toys by Christmas. Toys, gift cards and monetary donations can be made at any local Art Van Furniture store until July 31, 2011. Toys must be new and unwrapped. Check drop boxes are available at Art Van customer service departments for those who prefer to donate monetarily. Children 18 years old and younger are eligible for the program.
"We're all about children at Art Van," said Diane Charles, Director of Corporate Communications at Art Van Furniture. "These gifts bring such joy to these children at a time when having their spirits lifted is crucial."
Art Van Furniture will host open house parties in December where families can receive the donated toys and enjoy food and fun with Santa.
Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is a 2009 Art Van Furniture Million-Dollar Charity Challenge recipient, one of 100 organizations across the state which has received grants.
For more information, visit www.leukemiamichigan.org or www.artvan.com.
About Art Van Furniture: Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 34 stores in 33 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website, plus three freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Canton, Troy and Rochester Hills, Michigan. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Mich. Check out artvan.com for more information.