Thank you for visiting our guestbook Please send stories or comments to colescloset@colescloset.org and we will post them at a later date. Thank You!!     Hi! I found out about your organization when I was at WaldenBooks the other night at Landmark Mall.  I wanted to let you know I think what you're doing is great.  I dropped off a bag of toys at the Fairfax office of Dominion this morning.  The person I talked to there wasn't quite familiar with Cole's Closet, so I wanted to let you know there's a bag of toys floating around that office that I hope get to you!  It's a brown paper grocery bag with mostly infant toys.  Thanks for all you do. Melissa Sweeney May 6, 2008   Dear Ellen and Steve, Say hi from Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children. I received your gift from IFHC's staff today, and I just want to say : thank you so much , I knew that we are not alone. Our first baby Carol was admitted to IFHC on March 21 this year because she was diagnosed the leukemia. From that day, our normal life was totally changed, what we have is just the numerous sleepless night. My wife has stayed in the hospital with Carol since 03/21, she never moved out from the hospital because we don't have any family relatives in U.S. I also applied 3 months FMLA for Carol. We have the most exact situations of your hospital stay for little Cole. Anyway, being parents, we have to fight the disease with our daughter, your kindly wishes is just like the candle from the darkness. Regards Joe and Yan April 28, 2008 Hi Ellen, I’m giving more bags to Rachel today. She wanted me to pass along the activity sheet and had a nice conversation with one of the moms. She said: I had a Spanish family that I gave one to on East today. She was SO grateful and said the following: “I feel so badly for the mother of the child who started this program. My heart truly goes out to her and this is such a nice gift. I sincerely appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.” Her face was so genuine and I feel like that gift bag will, truly, be a very good thing for that family. Thanks, Rachel LB =) April 28, 2008 Dear Cole's Closet: This is a long overdue thank you to Cole's Closet for making my daughter's hospital stay better. We have been avid supporters of Cole's Closet and have loved making donations for the yard sales and auctions. We never thought that it would come full circle and we would be on the receiving end of Cole's Closet. Last summer my two year old daughter, Wren, became ill and was admitted to Loudoun Hospital for a week. My husband had to drop my five year old son of every morning so he could work and thankfully Cole's Closet made it easier to make through such long days of being confined to the hospital room. The DVD player allowed for continuous play of "Spongebob Squarepants" and to this day my daughter is still addicted to "Spongebob"! The nurses brought my daughter and son coloring books, crayons and a puzzle from the "Closet" and when the bed was to much for my daughter the big rocking chair allowed me to rock her to sleep. After being with my son in the hospital for two weeks when he was a baby and having no "luxuries" we were very thankful to reap the benefits of Cole's Closet. We will continue to support Cole's Closet, as we have experienced first hand the importance of this charity. Thank you so much, The Griner Family January 6, 2008 A few years ago our family (my parents, two brothers and sister) decided to give to charity instead of buying gifts for one another and our children. While we were looking for charities, my husband suggested Cole's Closet because he works for Dominion Virginia Power. So Cole's Closet became one of the charities we donate to every year. Well, our connection to Cole's Closet took a very personal turn this past May. My oldest son (who was 6 at the time) became gravely ill with a life-threatening complication from strep throat. We live in Stafford and went first to Mary Washington Hospital. Since they had no PICU, they medivac'd my son to Fairfax Inova Hospital where life saving surgery was performed. My son was in the hospital for a week and by default, my three year old son spent alot of time there as well. Imagine my delight and gratitude when I realized that the activity room on the pediatrics floor was a direct result of Cole's Closet! Many a carefree hour was spent in that room - my boys could play together, draw, colour, play outside - it was such a relief and blessing! Our entire family enjoyed the sanctuary that room provided! Thank you for making a difficult, scary, trying time a little less so! With deepest thanks, Aimee L. Froling Stafford, VA December 2007 In late June of 2007, our three year old daughter Ryan, began to show signs of catching some sort of bug. It was unusual for Ryan to act run down or sick as she had always been extremely healthy. Within five days time, Ryan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Acute Liver Failure and passed away. Our world was turned upside down in an instant and we were completely lost in our grief and shock. Cole’s Closet was there for us when we needed it the most. From their offering of necessities during our hospital stay to the countless, notes, gifts and support since Ryan’s passing. Cole’s Closet has been the most unexpected gift during this journey we now travel. Cole’s Closets efforts will never be forgotten by my family. Their commitment and love for their son Cole has bloomed into an amazing, loving and compassionate foundation. They will forever hold a place in our hearts. Boykin Family / December 2007 Cole’s Closet has helped to make so many patients and families happier while they are staying at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children. The thought that goes into the toys they select for the kids and the care package bags for the families is truly heartwarming. Because of Cole’s Closet, families are able to have a few comforts of home while going through a life changing experience. Keep up the good work! Sincerely, Kristin O’Brien Development Specialist, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children December 2007 Cole's Closet came to our side in May 2004.  Their presence in our lives was God's gift during our son's grim fight for his life. Cole's closet provided genuine empathy that comes only from experience.  In addtion, they knew the physical needs brought upon the family during the crisis.  Their generous gifts during our stay at the hospital helped make our situation more tolerable.  It has been two years since we've been home with our son, and Cole's Closet continues to be a strong shoulder in our lives.  Not only do we recieve the gift of their priceless friendship, their 'Outreach Program' has made our hectic home more calm with the gifts of premade dinners, etc.  We also delight in recieving beautiful flowers/plants to brighten our home with love.  When something arrives from Cole's Closet we truly feel hugged. Bukovac Family / October 2006 Cole's Closet has made a direct impact to the inpatients at Georgetown University Hospital Dept. of Pediatrics.  The smile on a child's face when they receive a toy that they have earned for their bravery is priceless, especially after a hard procedure or surgery.  It makes families and the child realize that there is something positive to look forward to in the not so best of situations.  The dedication and care from the entire team at Cole's Closet has been amazing.  We are so grateful to be partnering with Cole's Closet." Linda Jung, Child Life Specialist /October 2006 We have been so fortunate to be involved with Cole's Closet. You entered our lives when we needed you the most. Although we could not express, nor did we really know what we needed , you seemed to be there at precisely the right time, with the right words and the right support. The toys and handmade quilts you gave to our daughters gave them an escape from all the stress we all were experiencing. Your delivery of home cooked meals during the week we had doctor appointment after doctor appointment and in between trying to work full time gave us the nourishment we needed to stay healthy, focused and strong. Your phone calls of encouragement when a doctor's visit did not go well gave us hope. Your surprise gift baskets always came at a time when a surprise was just what we needed. And your hand to hold while our daughter was having her heart surgery was beyond what we could have ever asked for. What AMAZING people you are! Words can never express how much we appreciate what you have done for us. The only way we can think to thank you is to volunteer our time and talents to help Cole's Closet help others. Whatever we can do to help, please let us know. We know how worthwhile what you do is. We've experienced it first hand. We love you! THANK YOU! From Natalie's Family. Andersons <hansteve@cox.net>Clifton, VA USA - Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 20:04:16 (CST) I think that what your are doing is wonderful. I found out about you through little Brooke Cummings. I will help you in some way, that's for sure. Bill Kays <william.kays@verizon.net> Vienna, VA USA - Thursday, March 11, 2004 at 07:12:49 (CST) We are so thankful to Cole’s Closet for your thoughtfulness and generosity toward our daughter Brooke. We think what you are doing for ill children and their families in our area is absolutely wonderful. Prior to Brooke being born with her congenital heart defects, we had no direct exposure to children facing medical challenges. We are so sorry for the loss of your precious baby boy, and we feel your pain as much as we can without having also lost a child. As you know, you can never adequately explain the pain of watching your child suffer to someone who hasn’t lived through it themselves. Thanks for your strength and inspiration in all that you do! You are truly making a difference. Fondly, Kevin, Kris and Brooke Cummings Kris, Kevin & Brooke Cummings <kcsquared@starpower.net> Reston, VA USA - Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at 08:30:08 (CST) I am attending Bishop McNamara High School next year and would like to some how involve that with Cole's Closet. I can get teenagers to help at the hospital, stuffing evelopes, or raising money and collecting toys. I would like to help get Cole's Closet active in Southern Maryland, Civista, and Anne Arundel. Just let me know exactly what you want me to do. Caitlin Brown <peanutbutter_615@Yahoo.com> Clinton, MD USA - Saturday, March 06, 2004 at 20:15:06 (CST) Its great to see Coles Closet grow, and we look forward to watching it grow even more. We will continue to support any way we can. Love Randy, Denise, Dylan & McKenna Randy Singleton <randyfxst@comcast.net> JESSUP, MD USA - Wednesday, March 03, 2004 at 18:36:17 (CST) Congratulations on the growth of Cole's Closet. How wonderful! We miss you guys terribly! The Cookes <sbc3266@aol.com> Eagle Rock, VA USA - Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 18:41:27 (CST) Cole's Closet has been progressing wonderfully in the last year. We are so happy that several children have benifited from this organization. We are happy to be a part of the process. Simmons Family <gsimmomns27@cs.com> Springfield, VA USA - Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 17:52:31 (CST) Terrific job on the new web page! Karen Stewart <karen.stewart@hoffman.army.mil> Springfield, VA USA - Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 09:56:21 (CST) Who would have thougth that Cole's Closet would have ever developed in to what is has become today. You guys have put so much love and dedication in to making "MIGHTY CHRISTMAS" (now Cole's Closet) a tremendous organization. One little boy, Cole, has touched so many lives in the short amount of time he was here.I believe Cole's Closet allows him to continue touching families lives through you and your message. What a wonderful family you are to push your dream of making other's painful times a little easier. Jamie Cox <mepoppyx3@aol.com> Springfield, VA USA - Tuesday, February 17, 2004 at 21:30:18 (CST)