"We can't know why the lily has so brief a time to bloom in the warmth of sunlight's kiss upon its face before it folds into its fragrance and bids the world good night to rest its beauty in a gentler place. But we can know that nothing that is loved is ever lost and no one who has touched a heart can really pass away because some beauty lingers on in each memory of which they've been a part." — Ellen Brenneman

With vision and dedication...

A Box Full of Sunshine works to bring compassion, healing, and joy to those who have lost a loved one.

Someone you love has died—someone who was important to you, too. Comfort and kindness bring a sense of reality into your days, but the dark, long nights are times for sadness, worry and pain. When this time enters life, the simple, everyday things aren't so simple anymore. It may feel like this is the end of everything.

A Box Full of Sunshine aims to ease the grief, shock and emotional impacts experienced by children and their families by providing support during a very challenging time. Our care packages, filled with items ranging from blankets to coloring books, will help to put a smile on your face, if only for a brief moment.

The Importance of Grief Support

No matter who passes away…an infant, a child, a parent, a grandparent… many other lives are impacted, and there will be a long grieving process ahead. Nearly 20 percent of adults experience the death of a child, and 22 percent face the death of a sibling, relative or close friend before they graduate from high school. NFO Research, Inc. 1999.

Learn More About Our Grief Support

Our Story

Peri was a thirteen year old middle schooler, one week from graduating from 8th Grade and spending the summer doing what she loved most—playing tennis and volleyball.

She was often seen on the tennis courts and her USTA Junior Player rankings matched her love of the game. She proudly displayed her trophies and awards throughout her room. The sport of volleyball also held a special place in Peri's heart. She loved playing as a member of the Rider Volleyball Club and was excited about the summer workouts and improving her jump serve.

Peri, which means "fairy" in Turkish, was truly magical and exemplified the meaning of her name in many ways. She was lighthearted, carefree, and her glowing personality could light up a room. She dreamed about sunshine, college, becoming a YouTube sensation, and having a career as an interior designer. She passionately enjoyed listening to 5 Seconds of Summer and One Direction. She loved her family’s annual reunions at Disney World and tubing behind the boat in Florida. She experienced this world to the fullest, and she will forever and always be remembered by her contagious laugh.

May 14th , 2016 was a beautiful, sunshine-filled day, and Peri and her sister were playing outside. The two were enjoying the sunshine and each other’s company when tragedy struck. In response to her tragic and untimely death, A Box Full of Sunshine—a non-profit organization—was founded by her big sister, Eren, in hopes of providing grieving families like her own with a bit of joy and happiness amidst immense pain and loss. Thus, Peri’s unforgettable legacy is able to live on through each and every life this organization touches.

Learn More About Our Team