Winter 2024
By Casey Reis
Last summer, HomeGoods and Homesense customers found more than an ever-changing assortment of exciting merchandise at store locations across the nation. From May 30 through June 26, the off-price retailers teamed up with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund in its 24th annual campaign to help families facing cancer, raising critical funding for revolutionary cancer research and compassionate patient care.
The “Find Home Anywhere” initiative invited shoppers in more than 900 HomeGoods and Homesense locations nationwide to make a donation at the register, with 100% of donations benefiting Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund. Customers were also able to purchase two limited-edition reusable shopping bags at $0.99 each, featuring artwork by 7-year-old Emelie of Natick, Mass. (pictured), a patient in Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. A portion of the sale from each bag purchased went directly to the Jimmy Fund.
In August 2022, Emelie began experiencing severe stomach pain and a bump was discovered on her right side. When testing revealed that Emelie had bilateral Wilms tumor—a form of kidney cancer—her family headed to Dana-Farber for treatment. Since her diagnosis, Emelie has undergone a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and post-chemo medications to combat the disease.
At Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, the team welcomed and supported Emelie, providing a home away from home when she needed it most. Emelie had taken a special interest in painting and crafting at the Clinic, and was thrilled when her colorful, whimsical artwork—one design featuring a panda munching on watermelon, and another showcasing sea life swimming in turquoise blue water—was selected for the 2024 HomeGoods bag designs. Emelie was excited to visit a HomeGoods location over the summer and see the bags on display, knowing that her artwork is helping to fuel advancements in cancer treatment for patients like herself. In addition to arts and crafts, Emelie also loves basketball, gymnastics, and being a Girl Scout.
HomeGoods has been a steadfast partner in Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission since 2001, raising more than $30 million through the generosity of its customers to prevent, treat, and defy cancer. “HomeGoods and Dana-Farber have long shared an interest in creating a sense of home, safety, comfort, and belonging for patients,” said Victoria Shonkoff, senior vice president and marketing director, HomeGoods and Homesense. “Together with our generous customers, we’re proud to support patients like Emelie and help provide a sense of comfort for them and their families throughout their care experience.”