Courage for Kids Host Toy & Book Drive for Dr. Bear’s Closet at Children’s Hospital

When I was in Second Grade, my father and I were in a very serious car accident. I was hospitalized for six weeks with a broken femur, severe concussion, broken nose, laceration to my upper lip. Due to my concussion, I went from being in the Talented and Gifted program and making 100’s to having to have a tutor to bring my math scores back up where they needed to be. I went from being on the swim team, playing tennis and riding horses to having to learn how to walk all over again. I went from being a cute little girl to being scarred and disfigured for several years until plastic surgeons were able to make my upper lip look better.

At age 7, you are barely brave enough to have a sleepover at a friend’s house, let alone be away from your family for six week alone in the hospital. I remember how sweet our friends from church and neighbors were to me. People brought me homemade food, and several neighbors bought me a Merlin, which was super cool in 1977. I know how scary it is to be stuck at the hospital as a little kid, so I wanted Courage for Kids to give back to the kids at Children’s Hospital.

On Tuesday, December 15th from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m., Courage for Kids will host a toy drive for Dr. Bear®’s  Closet at Children’s Hospital. Please bring new toys, games, and books to fill Dr. Bear®’s Closet, which ensures that every patient has a gift for holidays, birthdays and most importantly, a little something to serve as a reward for their courage in fighting an illness. The closet provides items to thousands of patients who are treated in Children’s inpatient units, the Emergency Department and Regional Outpatient Centers, and the Health Centers. Toys also help stock playrooms in the hospital. Playing is essential when a child is undergoing difficult treatment or procedures due to illness. Providing a new game or toy and watching a smile light up a child’s face is a special moment for families, staff and volunteers. In addition to making their donation and taking time to give back to those less fortunate, attendees will be entered to win a door prizes from Morton’s, Queen Bee Designs, Alchime Forever and Saks Fifth Avenue.  Give back to those less fortunate, and get in the true spirit of the season.