In 1978, a little girl named Karen was diagnosed with a fatal illness. Her neighbors got together and planned to raise money for her family so that they need not worry about paying bills and could concentrate solely on their little girl. After Karen passed, the extra money raised went to found a charity to help families in similar situations. Now, there are three offices serving the Tri-State area with one office established in Port Jefferson in 2001 to help out Long Islanders. The organization will help families with children up to 21. Social workers work with families to pay any home-related bills and any co-payments that insurance doesn't cover. The organization also hosts art therapy and counseling for siblings, bereavement and support groups. It also has toy drives throughout the year and a holiday toy program where people can sponsor a family to purchase presents.