Comfort for teens in mental health treatment
My name is Ellie and I know that stigma is often the heaviest burden a young person can carry, and when I was admitted to a higher level of care for a mental health disorder, it left me feeling scared and alone. But during treatment, I formed a bond with fellow teens thanks to the help of simple items, breaking the ice and eventually serving as the distraction we needed – fidget toys, sensory toys, puzzles, etc. Years later, I couldn't stop thinking about the countless young people still facing that same fear, often avoiding care because of shame. I founded Karekit in 2025 to share these same comfort items with teens in treatment and to break the silence around mental health. Today, I'm joined by a passionate board of fellow students who share this mission. Because we're fighting both isolation and stigma, Karekit operates on a three-pronged approach: our ACE framework of Awareness, Connection, and Encouragement.
Click here to learn more
Every item is thoughtfully chosen with guidelines in mind.
100% of donations go directly into care packages for teens in treatment.
Participate in community education events.
We educate communities — mainly adolescents — about the realities of mental health and the barriers preventing teens from seeking help. By partnering with experts, we aim to replace fear and stigma with resources, open dialogue, and understanding.
We unite volunteers, schools, and local businesses to lead and participate in mental health initiatives, building a real-world support network that proves to teens they do not have to face their struggles alone.
We deliver thoughtfully curated comfort kits to adolescents in treatment and recovery. Each kit provides tangible support, peer connection, and reminds teens of their value.
Kits delivered
Community events
Partnerships
Each item chosen deliberately — to calm, ground, encourage, or simply make an unfamiliar place feel a little warmer.
Kit contents
Personalized journal
A journal with daily prompts, a helpful activity for de-compressing .
Stuffed animal
A soft companion for hard moments or restless nights.
Diamond art kit
A simple diamond painting activity to keep hands and mind occupied.
Blanket
A cozy blanket from the community to bring warmth and a sense of home to an unfamiliar room.
Personalized bookmark
A handmade bookmark from community volunteers, created with multiple different nature inspired designs.
Slime
Scented slime for stress relief and grounding.
Mini jigsaw puzzle
A compact puzzle for a gentle distraction.
Squish ball
A soft sensory tool that offers grounding and stress relief in a portable form.
Note: These items may be used as replacements for select facilities based on their specific guidelines.
100% of donations becomes journals, sensory tools, plushies, blankets, and games for a teen in treatment.
1 Karekit
Covers one full care package for one teen in treatment.
3 Karekits
$16.67 per kit: reaches 3 teens.
5 Karekits + a Bookmark Pack
Funds 5 full kits plus a full set of volunteer-made bookmarks for one facility room.
Sponsor a Full Facility Delivery
Covers an entire delivery run to one of our partner facilities: kits, materials, and delivery logistics!
Karekit is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit — EIN 39-3514386.
Donations may be deductible on your federal income tax return. Every donor receives a receipt.
Help assemble kits, write encouragement cards, and show up at community education events. Fill out the interest form below and we'll be in touch.
Sign up to stay tuned.
Crisis lines, eating disorder support, mental health education, and community resources.
The Lotus Collaborative, one of our partner organizations, runs free, therapist-led eating disorder recovery support groups in Santa Cruz and San Francisco, open to anyone, every Sunday.
Locations & Time
Sundays, 3–4pm
Santa Cruz: 2125 Delaware Ave
San Francisco: 2500 Market Street
Call or text 988 any time, 24/7. Free, confidential support — for people in crisis and for people worried about someone else.
988lifeline.orgText HOME to 741741. Free 24/7 text-based mental health support — useful when calling feels like too much.
crisistextline.orgCall 408-453-0400. Mon-Fri from 10am-6pm. Nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public.
namisantaclara.orgA Bay Area–based treatment center offering eating disorder recovery programs in a community-centered environment. Home of the Sunday support groups above.
lotuscollaborative.comThe National Alliance on Mental Illness — education, support groups, and resources for teens and families navigating mental health conditions.
nami.org/teensThe Anxiety and Depression Association of America — evidence-based information and resources, including content specifically for teens and young people.
adaa.org/teensFamilies Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders — community and resources for caregivers supporting someone in eating disorder recovery.
feast-ed.orgPractical, plain-language guides for parents and educators on recognizing mental health signs and supporting kids through treatment.
childmind.orgQuestions, facility partnerships, or want to bring Karekit somewhere new? We'd love to hear from you.
EMAIL: karekitorg@gmail.com
PHONE: 408-904-9526
