By Jose Negron
Jamie’s Dream Team is used to offering hope when it’s in low supply.
The McKeesport-based non-profit organization frequently provides assistance and makes distributions to or on behalf of qualifying individuals who are handicapped, disabled, terminally ill, severely injured or suffering from a serious medical condition, disease, or trauma.
Led by founder Jamie Holmes, the group has made several dreams come true for deserving souls, and even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Jamie’s Dream Team continues to give back to the community.
The organization once again delivered hope Thursday in the form of supplies to the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh and Lemieux Family Center.
Around 10 volunteers packed cars with supplies, including toiletries, blankets and personal protective equipment, and dropped them off to families who are unable to leave the Children’s Home due to the coronavirus.
“Because COVID-19 is here, it doesn’t mean cancer and all the other illnesses stop,” Holmes said. “It’s actually making things a lot harder on these families whose children are diagnosed and have illnesses. A lot of our families are laid off right now and a lot are struggling financially as it is because of the illness and now they’ve been hit with something else.
“We’re doing whatever we can to make sure we’re keeping our families safe and keeping families afloat, especially during a time like this.”
Pediatric Specialty Care in Hopewell is another facility that will benefit from the help of Jamie’s Dream Team.
Holmes said the organization has planned a parade for the children at the facility May 10.
“We partnered with a few character costume companies and even the fire department,” Holmes said. “We have a lot going on and we’re just continuing to help.”
Since the pandemic began, Jamie’s Dream Team has helped a number of families in need, especially from a financial standpoint.
Among them is the family of Rilyn Hughes, an 18-month-old girl who was recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma and brain cancer.
With the help of Jamie’s Dream Team, more than $5,000 was raised to help the family during what is expected to be an 18-month treatment.
“We’re still helping and we’re still doing dreams, but we’re doing them in a different way,” Holmes said. “We’re making sure people have food on their tables, they’re keeping their lights on and getting the essentials they need so they can take care of what they need to take care of at home, which is number one, the child or family member that is sick.”
Due to the pandemic, Jamie’s Dream Team had to cancel all its dreams in which travel and gifts were involved.
So the organization was forced to figure out an alternative way to help families in need.
And that’s exactly what it has done.
“It makes me feel very good and makes me feel proud to be from Pittsburgh,” Holmes said. “I’m proud to be able to do such amazing things, but while I’m facilitating them, I’m only a small piece of it.”
While Jamie’s Dream Team is not asking for donations, it will host a few events in May to raise funds for the organization’s mission.
A virtual happy hour called “Wiggin’ Out for a Dream” is set for 7 p.m. May 16. The event, which will take place on Zoom, will include dancing, games and raffles as well as music by DJ Jess.
Tickets will be sold for $5 and can be purchased on Venmo by sending money to jamiesdreamteam.
Once tickets have been purchased, participants will receive a link to register for the event. Upon registration, they will receive an email with the link to the meeting.
The meeting will be locked at 7:20 p.m. for security purposes.
“This is a very hard time for us, too, because we’re not where we usually are, but we’re trying and making things happen,” Holmes said. “If anyone has any ideas of how we can raise funds virtually while keeping everybody safe, they can reach out and let us know.
“And if anyone knows anybody who needs anything right now, please reach out.”
For more information on Jamie’s Dream Team, its upcoming events and future projects, visit Jamie’s Dream Team on Facebook or go to www.jamiesdreamteam.org/.