Inside Giving

Happy belated New Year!

While we’re all still basking in the afterglow of the holidays, I wanted to share an inside peek at one of my favorite parts of the year: Virtual Toy Drive donor stories.

Don’t get me wrong, I also love getting to shout our record-breaking donations from the rooftops (over $43,000 this year!), but it’s hearing what sparked all those gifts that really leaves me standing in awe.

When folks give to Virtual Toy Drive, I send them a thank you e-mail, which usually includes a simple request at the end: “If you have time, I’d love to hear more about what sparked your desire to give to Children’s Hospital.”

Here’s what some of our donors said inspired them to give back in 2011:

“It’s the holiday season and for me it’s all about giving.  Nothing is more innocent and deserving than a child, especially a child who is ill.  This tugs at my heart and I know finances can help in some way.” – Stephen

“I have a daughter who spent 4 weeks in the hospital in 1983 (in traction). I understand how important it is to keep the children active, allowing them as much of a normal routine as possible during their stay. These supplies are such small things for me to give back. I hope they are used to make a child smile.” – Rhonda

“We were done shopping for my family and friends and felt now we needed to do something for the less fortunate. That’s what this time of year is all about.” – Chris and Miranda

“I wanted to honor my mother and her 50-plus years of dedication of serving and helping others while she worked in the medical field and felt that this was a great way to do so and also wanted to help the hospital in providing the tools they need to serve and help the people who need it the most. She really loved working in the OR and Obstetrics as well as working with children in the Pediatric office, so I thought that giving to the children in particular, was very important.” - Kathryn

“We are fairly new to Greenville and have a 3-month-old.  I wanted to give to a worthy cause for Christmas, but needed something that I could do from home.  After I saw a commercial on TV, this toy drive made sense to me because I knew I could trust the money went to a good cause.  We are grateful to have a healthy little boy, but there are so many families with children who aren’t.  Glad to help and hope this makes a child’s visit to Children’s less scary.” – Jennifer

What about you? Who or what is your reason for giving? Share in the comments below or e-mail your story to me at jparker4@ghs.org.

Happy holidays!

You know, sometimes I think Christmas miracles may get a little brighter at GHS Children’s Hospital.

I got a front row seat to some of that memorable holiday fun, and I couldn’t resist sharing the stories with you.

Yesterday, I spent part of my afternoon following the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who around Children’s Hospital as they went door-to-door, giving out gifts and chatting with kids. (Sidenote: I love my job.)

Their visit transformed the quiet halls into a whirl of smiles, excitement and laughter – even staff couldn’t resist getting their photos taken with the Dr. Seuss characters.

Little 4-year-old Mo’Nasha (pictured above) was a little wary of the duo as they pranced into her room, but she lit up when she saw the purple fairy princess outfit they brought her. In no time, she had whipped out her wand and was waving it from her hospital bed, much to the delight of her mom, Angela.

“It’s amazing!” she said. “I think this is good for the kids. They’ve got the Christmas feeling, even though they’re here [in the hospital].”

Down on the 5th floor, I chatted with Leanne and her 9-month-old, Walker (pictured below). His hospital room looks like Christmas headquarters, thanks to the diligent efforts of his mom, grandma and big sister. Ornaments dangle from the ceiling, lights twinkle from above the bed, and pretty soon, a Christmas tree will be peeking out from the corner.

“The longer we’re here, the more decorated it gets,” said Leanne, laughing.

It’s not just feeling like Christmas in Walker’s room, though; Leanne and a friend have been making “baby’s first Christmas” ornaments for families in the NICU for about 4 years now.

I am genuinely amazed at the creativity and the generosity of our community – how awesome is it that folks gave up their day to dress up as funny characters (complete with an adult onesie) or create an entire wave of ornaments, just to make patients, families and staff smile and feel special?

If you’d like to join in on the fun, it’s not too late. You can help us give Children’s Hospital patients and families the items they need most this holiday season by clicking here.