130ND21_cover-Final-NoUPC

Philanthropy Cape-Style

Cape Cod Life  /  November/December 2021 /

Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications

Philanthropy Cape-Style

130ND21_cover-Final-NoUPC

Cape Cod Life  /  November/December 2021 /

Writer: Cape Cod Life Publications

Happy Hope Factory

Text by Kathy Blackwell

The Happy Hope Factory, a local nonprofit formed in 2011, began as the childhood dream of Founder and CEO Emi Burke, to bring hope and smiles to children worldwide. As mother of a child frequently in the hospital, Emi observed countless children languishing from their beds, and the vision for The Happy Hope Factory was born. Today, it has expanded to a multi-faceted organization where Happy Hope Bags are assembled and delivered to over 600,000 children in all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and 16 additional countries.

Based in Pocasset, The Happy Hope Factory is a combined headquarters and event space, offering a state-of-the-art printing office, Happy Hope store, conference center and shipping/receiving services. From here, event supplies are sent directly to companies and individuals packing Happy Hope Bags in any location. These beautifully crafted bags contain creative activities and basic care items that are hospital approved and carefully chosen to entertain while serving a dual purpose. For example, the pinwheels and bubbles are packed in most bags to bring joy while also helping children who are practicing breathing exercises. Beginning with children in hospitals, Happy Hope Bags now reach Ronald McDonald houses, shelters, clinics, emergency rooms, hospice and palliative care, as well as anywhere else a child needs hope and a smile.

Happy Hope Bags are made possible through corporate sponsorships from companies such as UPS, NBCUniversal, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, among many others. The Happy Hope Factory offers companies unique and memorable team building events to pack Happy Hope Bags, as well as welcoming corporate and community partners on-site at their facility in Pocasset.

At the onset of the pandemic, Emi and her team quickly pivoted to hosting packaging events through Zoom, accommodating volunteers seeking to make a difference while working remotely. The Happy Hope Factory is currently welcoming individuals and small group volunteers who wish to provide support in-person, and is grateful for the many Cape Cod community members and organizations who take part in the joyful experience of packing bags and giving back. As Emi says, “I know each one of us has a purpose to do good, give back and share hope.”

To learn more, visit happyhopefactory.org, email at Info@happyhopefactory.org, or volunteer@happyhopefactory.org. Located at 6 Benjamin Nye Circle, Pocasset, MA 02559

Cape Cod Life Publications