Children displaced: Darcars delivers Amazon wish list to Children's Inn after emergency

BETHESDA, MD. (ABC7) — Nearly one month after dozens of families were displaced from the Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), donations are pouring in from locals who saw a need to help.

The Children's Inn was forced to close and evacuate the facility in Bethesda after a crack was found in the ceiling on August 21.

All of the families who temporarily live at the Children's Inn are going through treatment at NIH or rare clinical trials.

Shortly after the incident, CEO of Children's Inn, Jennie Lucca, says the Inn set up an emergency fund and an Amazon wish list. This was an effort to keep families comfortable despite a drastic change in their plans.

Thursday - much needed help arrived in multiple vehicles filled to the brim with supplies.

Darcars, a local company, says they shortly after they heard of the incident they sprung into action to help. The company, who is located in the community, purchased the Inn's entire Amazon wish list and more as they prepared to hand deliver it to families and staff.

A team of colleagues from Darcars arrived in vans filled with stuffed animals, water bottles, snacks and more. They loaded dozens of boxes onto carts and wheeled them inside.

"I just met a family that came all the way from Egypt for treatment. I know they come from all over the world but we're hoping that by helping, it will give them the support they need" said John Darvish, CEO of Darcars. "Hopefully others in the community will also step up and realize how important the Children's Inn is."

The Inn provides housing for those families free of cost. "For families who might be having financial difficulty, we are able to offer financial support as well. It's all of those things that come naturally to us everyday, lodging, food, comfort, emotional well being" said Lucca.

Lucca says the supplies will help the Inn continue to provide the breakfast and meals for families undergoing treatment.

"The bottle water is really important. We have a lot of patients that are immunocompromised and the bottle water makes it much easier for them to negotiate their day" said Fern Stone, Chief Development and Communications Officer. "They have a full day of medical treatments at the medical center. The idea is to get them back here so they can be kids and play. The snacks they brought will also bring a lot of joy."

Construction is still underway. In late August, they were able to open a portion of the building to staff and 23 families. However, Lucca says they are providing shelter for an additional 55 families that are displaced from the Inn. They have provided apartments in the area for families who are displaced from the Inn.

It's unclear how long the building will be under construction. Lucca estimates it could take months until they are able to move back into the main building.