A Legacy of Joy
The concept for David’s Treasure Tree toy closet came about as Robin and Joe Kanarek were searching for ways to honor their son’s memory while helping others. It was in talking with their close friend, then Stamford Representative Christel Truglia, that they came up with the idea of a toy closet created specifically for pediatric patients.
The Kanareks chose Stamford Hospital as its first toy closet location because of the family’s strong ties there – Robin had been a volunteer and had also worked as a diabetes nurse educator there, and her parents, Carl and Dorothy Bennett, were also leading benefactors, with both the cancer center and the hospital’s campus named in their honor. The doors to David’s Treasure Tree toy closet first opened at Stamford Hospital in 2003. Its doors were beautifully decorated with original commissioned artwork by award winning author/illustrator Judith Casely. The toy closet offers free, new, age-appropriate gifts to any child admitted to the hospital. These “treasures” made possible through gifts of toys and monetary donations from local organizations, businesses and the community.
In 2017, Stamford Hospital opened a new state-of-the-art pediatric unit—the Steven & Alexandra Cohen’s Children Unit and a new closet was created to align with the nautical theme of the unit. The new closet was then named David’s Treasure Chest.
In 2023, the original doors from Stamford Hospital were donated and relocated to Greenwich Hospital’s Berkley Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Center.
“David would be especially proud of this remembrance because of the smiles it brings to children’s faces,” said Robin Kanarek. “Our hope is that when children select a toy from the Treasure Chest, they will enjoy a momentary escape from the hospital experience. We know firsthand what that meant to David, and we would like other children and their families to be able to experience it too.”
Robin Kanarek with her close friend Christel Truglia.
The doors to David’s Treasure Tree toy closet first opened
at Stamford Hospital in 2003. Its doors were beautifully decorated with original commissioned artwork by award winning author/illustrator Judith Casely.
Robin with her niece, Lauren, during a visit to the toy closet.
Rendering of the Berkley Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Center at Greenwich Hospital.
Donations, new toys, and gifts are welcome throughout the year. Some recommendations for popular toys and gifts include:
Teens
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Books
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Journals
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Gift certificates to restaurants and stores
Children Ages 4-12
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Building toys
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Craft kits
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Toy cars and trucks
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Stuffed animals and dolls
Infants/Toddlers (newborn to age 3)
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Infant toys
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Baby rattles
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Teethers and bibs
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Baby mirrors
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Art kits
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Photo albums
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Models and building toys
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Coloring books and crayons
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Games
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Art supplies
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Books and puzzles
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Soft toys
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Musical toys
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Newborn outfits
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Books