In between our regular holiday donations that we do during Christmas and Easter, we try to keep in contact with the Child Life Department at Methodist Children's Hospital in San Antonio, so they can let us know what specific needs they have. They recently told me that they were in need of hard bodied baby dolls, toiletry kits for Mom's staying with their children, crib musical toys, and infant rattles. They also said that they could use more coloring books and crayons and "brave box" toys. Below are some of the pictures of what we were able to go purchase for them. It's always fun shopping for items that you know will help young patients, and it is an honor to be able to donate these things in Rowan's name.
It's not easy finding completely hard bodied baby dolls. They can't have the cloth body that so many of them do, for cleanliness and sanitation purposes. But, luckily I was able to find 7. Now every pediatric unit/play room will get a new baby doll.
Crib musical light up toys were really fun to look for too. They make so many neat ones these days. And I know for a fact how soothing they can be for the little ones. Even as a baby Rowan would sometimes be in the hospital for weeks at a time, and end up running through batteries on his crib lights and sounds toy. (Caley, I know you remember this!) I can still hear the tune playing on the nature sounds one he always liked when he was there. It warmed my heart to buy one for every unit of the hospital, as I know parents will appreciate them as much, or more, than the babies.
I also decided to purchase new toy doctor kits that were for all different ages. Some of them were educational activities that looked like so much fun. Rowan has really enjoyed playing with toys like these over the years, while he has been hospitalized. I have lots of pictures of him giving his baby dolls shots, taking their blood pressure, or even doing dressing changes on them:) So I know the kids will really benefit from these games.
Sensory balls, chubby little animals and little people with pets, for the toddler brave boxes...
Rattles and keys for infants...
Coloring books and crayons for boys and girls...
Cars for the brave boxes...
Toiletry kits for Moms of the patients. (Don't worry, we provide them kits for Dads too, they were just running out of Mom kits this time.)
To help the patients still enjoy or celebrate Fall, even if they have to be indoors at the hospital, I also purchased Fall window decorations, Fall coloring books and activity mats, and some Fall craft items for the Art Therapist.
All in all, we had 6 boxes of donations for Child Life this time.
When Rowan was in the Infusion Clinic last week, I ran these goodies next door to the hospital. Child Life was very grateful and really excited, especially about the Baby Dolls and Crib Lights & Sounds toys. Rowan may have been asleep when I made the delivery, but boy was he happy that his foundation was going to be able to help comfort so many kids with this donation.
Thank you Methodist Children's Hospital Child Life Staff, for letting us help, by sharing with us what needs you have there at the hospital.
Christmas is just around the corner, so we will be seeing you very soon with more gifts for patients and parents!
