We all want to believe that our thoughts and hopes will one day become realized. No matter how crazy or unrealistic the thoughts are, dreamers want to see it through until its conclusion. This is true for both adults and kids. The process helps add to what could become reality.
One woman takes those beliefs and transforms then into a DreamBox for kids to use to create their very own Hopes and Dreams.
Karen Druziako, Founder of Be Happy Dream Big in Smithfield, has designed small boxes that children can use to explain their hopes, futures, and acknowledge things that make them happy. It’s a small box filled with stickers, markers, and pads of paper where kids can write what makes them happy and draw their dreams. This can serve as positive reinforcements to keep their spirits high.
Druziako said kids want to believe the best is coming for them—sooner than later.
“We asked kids what they wanted, and they were adamant in
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Karen said kids offered pointers regarding the box’s shape. She said the initial boxes were too big for some kids or too small for others. She eventually found the right balance for anyone to hold.
Druziako can attest to showing resiliency and overcoming obstacles.
Before beginning her company last November, Karen went through several personal challenges. Her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Her sister was also diagnosed with early-onset Dementia while also having to care for her three children. Karen chose to leave her high-paying job in New York City to care for all five people. In 1999—nine months apart—Karen was involved in two separate car accidents where she was hit from behind, resulting in bad headaches and double vision. In 2022, Karen was attacked by a dog and was severely hurt and has issues with real pain just walking sometimes. While in the hospital, Karen met with families, all of whom predominantly spoke about was “negativity”—the divide in the country, the wars around the world, and the terrible economy. Karen said she needed to do something to address the negativity in our world along with making change. She felt that this would make her feel that her life had purpose.
All of that shaped her mind into who needed help at that time and why. She wanted to bring hope and change in the world.
“Young kids do not process information the same way as adults. They often don’t get the context behind why their parents are upset or behaving a certain way, or what they see on television and on the internet. Children see the results of those actions, and it can have a profound effect on them as they grow up,” she said.
The DreamBoxes are provided to kids at hospitals, YMCAs, schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and other places. They are given a space to write their names to personalized it because it is their dreams and their dreams only, because every child counts, Karen said.
Since selling her first box, Karen has sold thousands of the DreamBoxes locally, nationally, and even abroad. She recalled one story regarding a boy from England requesting a box. His father brought one home and he wanted to give one to his friend who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The boy wanted his friend to become “Superman” (because Superman was never afraid and he will be Superman wherever he passes to).
Karen said it became a story that stays with her.
She is asking the community for their help in providing more DreamBoxes to area kids. Individuals and business can each contribute as much money as they are able to help. DreamBoxes costs $15 to create. Anyone who donates at least $45 (for three DreamBoxes) will receive a free gift: Be Happy Dream Big 14 Day Guided Inspirational E-Book Journal. Each journal enables each user to put their thoughts onto paper. Every day is 100 percent guided, Karen has guided readers at each phase along the way all the way through. This price is discounted from $75 for our readers!
Companies that donate 50 DreamBoxes or more may also advertise on the box.
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Karen sums it up best:
“When today is gone, I cannot get it back. It is up to me to Smile, Be Happy, and Dream Big,” she said.
Be Happy Dream Big is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to nurturing hope, healing, and creativity in children through the power of The DreamBox. Founded by Karen Druziako, a passionate advocate for child well-being, the organization operates on a simple yet profound belief: every child deserves the chance to dream—and be reminded that they matter. What started as a vision to bring a smile to one child has now grown into a heartfelt movement across communities, schools, hospitals, shelters, and youth organizations. We reach out to children in need with handmade DreamBoxes filled with motivational prompts, writing materials, crafts, and inspirational notes to encourage emotional healing, creativity, and joyful self-expression.
More details may be found by visiting the website https://behappydreambig.org.
Further details on the endeavor may be found by calling Karen at 401-373-3414/direct or 917-749-1122/cell.
