Our History

The Children’s Hope Chest is a non-profit organization incorporated and founded in 2005 by Rosemary Cordasco and Valerie Sprague.

For many years, Rosemary and Val participated in a holiday gift giving program for another non-profit which provided holiday gifts to needy children. 

They encouraged their friends to have their children participate in the gift buying and wrapping so they would one day themselves continue the charge to spread hope for children less fortunate.

The generosity of spirit at the holidays was heartwarming and inspiring, but they were concerned that after the holidays, these same children still continued to face despair. 

Rosemary and Val formulated a volunteer board of directors and researched the partnership with local agencies whose own missions align with CHC. 

There is now an active Advisory Committee to support the work of the Board of Directors and together are supported by an extremely generous and supportive base of local donors. 

The organization relies upon a grass roots approach to reach new donors and develop volunteerism. For each person that steps up to help CHC, another child is helped.

The essence of the organization is summed up in a few simple sentences.  Each donor is always asked to help a child in need by Holding out your hand, opening your heart and offering hope. There are many children waiting on us.

Board of Directors 
Lisa Smith - Co-President
Dina Fisher - Co-President
Karen Palaniappan– Treasurer
Julie Sheppe - Secretary
Mark Canno
Brandy Hendelman
Wendy Kleinman
Randi Menchel
Helaine Shapiro
Heather Solomon
Melinda Velez

Leadership Committee
Bonni Bleustein
Patti D’Agastino
Allison Danzig
Enza Dattero
​Kimberley Debald
​Anne George
Jessica Gordon
Janice Kaplan
Coco Lefkowitz
Karen Loewentheil
Kecia Muller
Maria Mueller
Susan Nangle
Robin Psaros
Jessica Riesel
Lyne Samad
Carol Sherman
Ellen Silberstein
Ruth Singer
Abbey Solomon