Girls' Birthday Presents Donated to Hospital
Back Row: Markham Stouffville Hospital's Child Life Specialist Julie Atkinson (left) and mom Heidi Riley (right) Front Row: Sisters Hannah Riley, 7 (left) and Rachel Riley, 9 (right)
May 11, 2007 – Rachel and Hannah are sisters. They live in the heart of Cornell (Markham) with their family and each year, since their birthdays are close, they share a birthday party with friends and family at home – this year's theme was "Twisted." Creative mom Heidi incorporated foods around this theme including Pretzels, Twizzlers, spaghetti, and for extra fun, the kids played Twister.
The Riley parents, John and Heidi, believe in community spirit. Gifts from aunts and uncles and cousins, two sets of grandparents, parents and siblings, and friends all add up to a really unnecessary great number, they assert. Over twenty kids were invited to Rachel and Hannah's party – only each guest was asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Markham Stouffville Hospital. Who needs a gift more than admitted young patients?
"Even for kids who stay for only a few days," Julie explains. "They need something to
do, to help get them out of bed while they get better."
Julie Atkinson, the hospital's Child Life Specialist, led the tour of the
Children's Ward on May 9th following the donation of the girls' gifts. Some of
Rachel and Hannah's toys will be given away to children who need extra cheering
while others will be kept in the hospital's playroom. "We go through a lot of
toys," she said. "Every time a child uses a toy, and usually with a lot of love, we
wash it before the next child gets it. It's the washing that's really hard on the
toys."
Toys for all ages are welcome, anytime. Don't know what to do with those extra toys during the holidays or for birthdays, outgrown books, and movies? If your child has ever been admitted to the hospital or spent some time in the emergency room, some of those toys were the contribution by local families like the Rileys – after all, charity is the best gift of them all.
Happy Birthday to Rachel and Hannah from everyone here at SayItCornell.com.
Article & Photo by SWilson
©2007 All Rights Reserved. |
