‘Heart of kindness’ drive keeps on giving
Project honors boy who looked to help others
A couple who lost their 10-year-old son to meningitis just after last Christmas are honoring him with a toy and blanket drive.
The Joshua Chamberlain Project was established by Matt and Christina Peck in honor of their 10-year-old son, Joshua Chamberlain Peck, who died Dec. 30 after contracting bacterial meningitis.
“Joshua loved coming up with ways or participating in different kindness acts, especially around the holidays,” the family said in a Facebook post.
The Toano boy’s “heart of kindness” also prompted his classmates to start a “kindness squad” and spread acts of kindness last spring.
The drive is accepting new twin or larger size blankets, new unwrapped toys and new holiday decoration items through Friday for the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters’ pediatric intensive care unit, where Joshua received treatment during his illness.
“The love and support we felt during our time there was so helpful …” Josh’s family wrote on Facebook. “We hope to be able to provide that warmth for other families in an otherwise stark hospital room.”
The project already delivered more than 250 blankets, stuffed animals, toys and holiday decorations — and the family hopes for more.
“I can assure you all Josh is honored to have these children and families supported in his name during his favorite time of year.” the project said in another Facebook post.
Donations can be given online or dropped off around Hampton Roads. The project set up an Amazon wish list, which can be found at www. amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ZB26NCPVEV3X. Drop box locations are available upon request, either by email at the.joshua.chamberlain.project@gmail.com or by phone at 757-634-3882.
Joshua was a fourth grader at Laurel Lane Elementary School in James City County when he became ill last December. At the hospital, he was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and 12 days later.
His parents called Joshua an “old soul” with a keen interest in retro cars and vintage technology. In school, Joshua was known as a sweet, kind boy who volunteered in the computer lab during recess to help kindergartners learn more about computers. He was elected as a class historian, documenting school events and was a member of the Boy Scouts.