22 DECEMBER 2023 By Melissa Hirschl When she was only six years old, Milan Coraggio-Sewell’s best friend passed away in a tragic accident. Losing two grandparents a few years later only amplified feelings of confusion and grief. With three losses in such a short time, Milan had difficulty processing her emotions and kept her feelings boxed up. As a teen, Milan recognized that she struggled with unresolved grief. She wanted to help other kids and teens experiencing similar feelings, so she researched what was available for those struggling with loss and sadness. The result was a nonprofit that Milan created called Boxed Up Project. With a dedicated group by her side, the organization fundraises, creates tutorials, assembles, and donates grief toolkits in both English and Spanish. The boxes are filled with familiar, non-threatening therapeutic items such as books, journals, stuffed animals, bubbles, stickers and more. Thus far, the Boxed Up Project has put together and distributed approximately 3,000 boxes. They’ve also raised more than $100,000 from donations and grants to go toward the boxes and items within. Recipients include Ryan House, New Song Center for Grieving Children, Billy’s Place, Stepping Stones of Hope, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, Tu Nudito, Open Hearts Wellness Center and six tribal communities in Arizona. The Boxed Up Project is still gaining momentum, even after Milan graduated high school and became a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. The miles have not dimmed her passion. “I check in weekly with team members. I hold our mission very close to my heart. College is challenging, but I make it a priority to set aside time for the project and keep it running,” Milan said. In 2022, Arizona’s Family highlighted the Boxed Up Project for their “Pay It Forward” campaign by having a box packing party in their parking lot. Close to 100 people showed up to help, and a special guest – a representative from Resolution Copper – bestowed the nonprofit with a check for $20,000. Significant donations were also received from the Phoenix Suns and Mercury teams during the event. Boxes were delivered to organizations around the Valley and also to Uvalde, Texas, to help families and children in May 2022. Dose Moving Company donated drivers and their trucks for the delivery. “The most fulfilling aspect about the Boxed Up Project is helping make a lifelong difference,” Team Member Sinclaire Titzck said. “It’s important to give back because there is so much joy in helping other people.” In April 2023, the Boxed Up Project received a donation from the Peoria School District, which picks a yearly charity to support. A check for more than $6,500 was awarded at an assembly, providing an excellent example of the power of philanthropy to the students. “I love the passion and care everyone puts into the Boxed Up Project,” Team Member Georgi Mesnick said. “It’s a sense of community that is unmatched. Being able to help others is a fulfilling experience that everyone should take part in.” The organization has multiple packing parties planned for the coming year, as well as adding several partner organizations. One is an organization in Nogales, and another is the Swift Youth Foundation in Scottsdale. Boxed Up Project is working with the Phoenix Indian Center to indigenize the boxes to be more culturally relevant to the tribal communities. Milan is also working on starting the first college chapter of Boxed Up Project and hopes to open more chapters nationwide. boxedupproject.org Milan with Channel 3 anchor Paul Horton. Arizona’s Family highlighted the Boxed Up Project for their “Pay It Forward” campaign in 2022. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBIN SEWELL Channeling grief into a mission for others     Now enrolling for the 24-25 school year.

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