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Member Spotlight: Dina Besic, Mom & Founder, CEO, Maxwell’s Toy Box

 

Lake/Forest Lake Bluff Chamber: Tell us a little bit about Maxwell’s Toy Box and your inspiration to start this important nonprofit.

Dina Besic: Maxwell’s Toy Box is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit with a deeply personal mission: to bring comfort, hope, and a sense of normalcy to children undergoing cancer treatment. The inspiration came from my son Maxwell, who was diagnosed with leukemia at just two years old in March 2023 and is still receiving treatment today. Experiencing firsthand the heartbreak and immense challenges that families face during a childhood cancer diagnosis, I wanted to create something that could provide support and resilience for these remarkable children.

Through Maxwell’s Toy Box, we deliver toys, developmental tools, and support to children and their families as they navigate what is truly the hardest journey they will ever go through, helping them find moments of joy along the way.

 

LF/LB: Please share a bit about your first accomplishments and the impact they have had on the childhood cancer community.

DB: I’m incredibly proud of what we have already accomplished with the support of our community:

  • 1,628 toys donated: Helping infants, kids, and teens at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge, IL find moments of normalcy during treatment.
  • 250 Valentine’s Day goodie bags: Bringing warmth and care to families during a time when it’s needed most.
  • 51 gift cards: Easing some of the financial strain that comes with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
  • 86 board games: Offering fun and developmental support to help kids stay engaged during treatment.
  • Over 500 children supported: Providing comfort and connection to families facing incredibly difficult times.

 

LF/LB: What is your vision or hope for the future of Maxwell’s Toy Box?

DB: My vision for Maxwell’s Toy Box is to transform the lives of children undergoing cancer treatment by providing more than just toys—we're committed to improving the overall patient experience. Over the next three years, our goal is to expand our support to all Chicagoland children’s hospitals, focusing on delivering comprehensive care that meets both the emotional and developmental needs of children battling cancer.

Ultimately, we aim to expand nationwide, becoming a trusted resource that families can turn to for comprehensive support—offering comfort, resilience, and the tools to help children maintain a sense of normalcy during their cancer journey.

 

LF/LB: Tell us how the community can get involved and support your mission.

DB: We are so grateful for the support of our Lake Bluff and Lake Forest community, and there are many ways you can get involved with Maxwell’s Toy Box:

  1. Donate Toys: Support us by shopping from our Amazon wishlist, curated to meet the specific needs of the hospitals we work with. Your contributions help us reach our goal of donating 3,000 toys per hospital, per year.
  2. Become a Sponsor: As a new grassroots nonprofit, we're seeking sponsors to support key initiatives like Joy Packages, easing financial strain, and spreading holiday cheer for families facing childhood cancer.
  3. Host a Toy Drive: Local businesses, schools, and community groups can host toy drives. We provide donation boxes, making it easy to collect toys and directly support our 3,000-toy goal.
  4. Volunteer: Assist us in putting together Joy Packages for infants, kids, and teens undergoing cancer treatment.
  5. Follow and Share on Social Media: By following and sharing our posts, you can help raise awareness about childhood cancer and our mission.

For more details and links to get involved, visit our website at www.maxwellstoybox.com!

 

LF/LB: Is there anything else you would like to share about your Maxwell’s Toy Box?

DB: As a parent, having a child diagnosed with cancer is incredibly hard, and the journey is so long. We want to bring more awareness to childhood cancer and are dedicated to advocating for greater support for cancer families.

We’re here to make a difference, and we’re eager to have partners join us in making a real impact. Together, we can ensure that families receive the care and support they need.