Tom Coughlin cheers childhood cancer fund families on surprise Jacksonville shopping spree

Each family filled two grocery carts of free food, toiletries and household goods.

The outing at the College Park Winn-Dixie was sponsored by the nonprofit Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, which helps families with children battling cancer in Jacksonville, New York and New Jersey. Founded by the former Jaguars and New York Giants Super Bowl coach, the fund is headquartered in Jacksonville Beach.

“For families tackling childhood cancer, their days are often consumed with trips to and from the hospital, and taking time out of their day to go grocery shopping can be challenging,” according to the fund.

The financial stresses of medical bills also can impact their buying power.

“A childhood cancer diagnosis affects the entire family. While trying to sort through the unthinkable emotional impact, families also must deal with the financial implications,” according to the fund. “The bills don’t come all at once, but when they arrive, they pile up.”