St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Kicks Off 13th Annual Thanks And Giving Campaign

For the 13th year in a row, some of America’s best known retailers and restaurants are again partnering with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for their yearly Thanks and Giving campaign. What began as a simple holiday-focused fundraising effort has grown into a spirited and inspiring annual tradition that has raised close to $600 million dollars. The St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign has transformed the holiday season into a time of giving thanks by raising awareness and funds for the ongoing battle to end childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Throughout November and December, consumers are asked to support the campaign by shopping at more than 70 leading national brands and sharing what they #GiveThanks for using social media.

“It’s so important to me to be a part of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign because it’s a great way to help give hope to kids battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases,” said Sofia Vergara. “These beautiful children have such incredible strength and spirit. I hope everyone will join me in supporting St. Jude, as this magnificent hospital continues its groundbreaking research and life-saving treatments.”

In addition to national awareness commercials, celebrity friends will support St. Jude on #GivingTuesday and throughout the campaign by sharing what they #GiveThanks for. Jimmy Kimmel and Michael Strahan continue to be ardent supporters of St. Jude and Thanks and Giving.

“I’m excited once again to be a part of the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign and support St. Jude in its fight against childhood cancer,” said Jimmy Kimmel. “This holiday season we can help St. Jude continue to treat the toughest cases while ensuring that families never pay St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Every little bit can help save the lives of these sweet and beautiful children.”

Created in 2004 by Marlo, Terre, and Tony Thomas — children of St. Jude founder Danny Thomas — the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign began as a holiday-focused fundraising effort and has grown into an annual tradition that unites celebrities, media, and retail and corporate partners to support the life-saving mission of St Jude.

“We are deeply grateful for our incredible friends who lend their time and talents to support St. Jude,” said Marlo Thomas, national outreach director for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “It means so much to us that year after year they open their hearts to the children of St. Jude. We are blessed to have their unwavering support and their generous spirit that helps St. Jude raise the funds that allow our doctors and scientists to continue their groundbreaking research, which leads to lifesaving treatments. And let us keep my father’s founding promise that no family receives a bill from St. Jude for anything — not for treatment, travel, housing, or food — because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.”

To join the fight against childhood cancer this holiday season:

– Donate at stjude.org, and visit the site to learn more.

– Shop with participating businesses and donate at the register. Visit stjude.org for a complete list of partners.

– Follow @StJude on social media and find a photo (or snap a new one) of what you are thankful for. Then post the photo to Instagram, Twitter or Facebook tagging @StJude and #GiveThanks.