Thanks to organizations like Tender Hearts, we had another very successful year collecting donations and toys to support the families in the hospital! Snowflake Station is a toy shop for families at AIDHC. Open for several days leading up to the Christmas holiday, Snowflake Station provides the opportunity for every inpatient family in the hospital to shop for their child’s holiday presents. This event relieves the financial burden as well as the time needed to purchase and prepare items for children at the holidays. The event provides items that the caregivers choose, provides them snacks while they shop and provides child care during their shopping experience if they have other little ones with them. In 2017, Snowflake station was open for three days, including two evenings. The child life team and wonderful volunteers staffed the room and supported 183 caregivers shopping experiences. Some of the caregivers comments include:

 

“I wouldn’t have had a Christmas for my kids if you didn’t do this” -parent

 

“It was an experience of a lifetime. I appreciate everything that is done for the families at AI duPont Hospital, God Bless” –parent

 

“Being or having a child in the hospital during the holidays brings holiday blues. But when I came here, everyone was so friendly and made me feel so welcomed. I’m truly grateful for this experience.” -parent

 

“Having a sick child in the hospital is overwhelming, however the experience at Snowflake station brings a spark of light that somehow helps things be lighter for us while we were in the hospital. Toys will definitely bring smiles to our children’s face.” –parent

 

Many of Gods little angels never have the opportunity to spread their wings due to birth defects, injuries and or diseases.  Tender Hearts strives to make a difference and help children enjoy being a kid while trying to overcome their many medical challenges.

 

This year, our goal is to collect enough new toys to donate to the children in our organization, A.I DuPont Children’s Hospital and as well as a group of families with children in a low-income area of the city.

 

Please help us reach our goal and to put a sparkle in a littles one’s eye this holiday season. Toys can be brought to our address, or we’ll gladly pick them up at your business at a time that is convenient for you.

 

Today our Events Coordinator, Melissa delivered 4 Buddy Bears to A.I duPont Children’s Hospital.

Buddy Bear is a communication bridge between the hospital school program and the child’s school.

Buddy wears the child’s designed t-shirt, has a backpack with a journal, pin and a custom-made bracelet for the child and classmates. Buddy sits in the desk of the child who is in the hospital as a reminder that their classmate is still a part of their school.

If you would like to receive more information of this program or would like to become a sponsor please contact Melissa at msangare@tenderheartsde.org