Sometimes it might feel like there's not a lot of hope in the middle of the current coronavirus pandemic. But a Pittsburgh-area group has set out to make sure that's not the case for people hospitalized with cancer.

Cara Atkinson, founder of Club Hope, organized the sign campaign.Club Hope Foundation/Facebook

Club Hope Foundation, based in Ellwood City was founded five years ago to support cancer patients and their families with things like gift cards, gift baskets, and visits. Right now they can't visit patients or give them gifts, but that's not stopping them from spreading hope.

Children who helped make the signs waved to patients as they installed their messages of hope.Club Hope Foundation/Facebook

They asked kids to create colorful drawings, then made them into yard signs. They put the signs in parking lots and patient drop-offs at six hospitals in the area -- strategically placed so that patients and families could easily see them.

Cara Atkinson, founder of Club Hope told the Ellwood City Ledger that, as they were putting up the signs, they could see people looking out their windows. "We know people were smiling behind their masks. It was awe-inspiring. A simple thing can mean so much," Atkinson said.

Club of Hope volunteers placed signs at six different hospital facilities.Club Hope Foundation/Facebook

What a wonderful example of how, even in challenging times, people are coming up with creative ways to support other who need it.

Atkinson won't take all the credit, which she says goes to the people in the community who support the organization. "I just continue to be amazed at the donations, caring and support. I'm in awe of what they do!"

Signs were placed in facility parking lots and patient drop-offs so patients and families would be sure to see them.Club Hope Foundation/Facebook