Art Van Helps to 'Share the Joy' During 'Christmas in July Toy Drive' for Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan

WARREN, Mich., July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Christmas may be six months away but giving is always in season... especially for the thousands of patients and families battling leukemia and lymphoma throughout Michigan. Art Van Furniture is partnering with Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan to bring the "Holiday Toys Program" to its Michigan stores, July 9-31.

Residents statewide are encouraged to make a difference in a child's life by donating new, unwrapped toys which will be earmarked for child patients and their siblings.  Last year, CLF gave out over 4,400 new toys to over 1,100 children impacted by leukemia, lymphoma or one of the other blood cancers.

"Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan puts smiles on kids' faces and we want to assist in doing anything we can to help to lift those spirits," said Diane Charles, Director of Corporate Communications. In addition, Art Van Furniture will host open house parties in December, where families can receive the toys and enjoy food and fun with Santa.

"The Holiday Toys Program is more than a 'warm and fuzzy' program - it provides respite and normalcy to patients and families during this difficult time in their cancer journey," said Kristen West, Vice President, Patient Services. "While we are out enjoying our Michigan Summer, we can still make a difference in the lives of these deserving children."

For those who prefer to donate monetarily, check drop boxes are also available at Art Van customer service departments. Monetary donations will be used to purchase additional toys for the "Holiday Toys Program."

Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is a 2009 Art Van Furniture Million-Dollar Charity Challenge recipient, one of 50 organizations across the state which received grants last year.

For more information, visit http://www.leukemiamichigan.org or www.artvan.com.

About Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan

Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is a statewide agency helping families cope with leukemia, lymphoma and related disorders by providing information, financial assistance and emotional support. In addition, Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan has provided more than $6.5 million in research dollars to Michigan's comprehensive cancer institutes. Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is headquartered in Troy, Michigan. For more information, call 1-800-825-2536 or visit www.leukemiamichigan.org.

About Art Van Furniture

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer, operating 31 stores in 29 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website, plus a new freestanding bedding store in Canton, Michigan, 'Art Van Pure Sleep.' The company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. For more information, visit artvan.com.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture