The Committee to Benefit the Children is a non-profit volunteer based charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and their families who face cancer, leukemia and serious blood disorders.  Established in 1980, the CBC has been serving these patients and families in the Delaware Valley and beyond who are treated at the Hematology-Oncology Division of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children.

CBC sponsors various events throughout the year for these children and their families, including an Easter Bunny visit, complete with baskets of Easter goodies, a Summer Family Fun Day at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, a Fall Pumpkinfest & Hayride and a Holiday Christmas Party. CBC also provides Thanksgiving and Holiday Food Baskets and operates a Secret Santa project which provides complete Christmas “packages”, including a visit from Kris Kringle, to our less fortunate patients during the holiday season.

CBC sponsors annual fund-raising events including a Caribbean Sunsplash Party, two Golf Tournaments, and a variety of activities and events too numerous to mention here. Through these efforts, more than $2.5 million has been raised for the children. All funds are earmarked for the Psycho-Social, non-medical needs desperately sought in the treatment of childhood cancers, sickle cell disease and life threatening blood disorders.

In response to the needs of these children and their families, CBC receives referrals from St. Christopher’s Oncology & Hematology social workers, who are most able to provide background information and help to identify specific needs.  CBC reviews the request and a decision is returned almost immediately.  More difficult requests are returned within 24-48 hours.

CBC provides direct financial assistance with non-medical, essential expenses which are not covered by other agencies/insurances, i.e.:  meal vouchers, parking, snacks & toys while in treatment, family living expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utility bills, phone, transportation, car insurance, health insurance, prosthetics (wigs included), child care, counseling & referral services and sadly, funeral expenses. 

The Committee to Benefit the Children members includes an all-volunteer Board of Officers & Directors.  The CBC has minimal administrative costs and employs only one full time employee.  All monies raised are obtained through fundraising events, corporate sponsors and private donations. 

To make a donation or for additional information please contact Carleen A. Siegle, CBC Executive Director, at 215-427-5061.