Members of Altrusa International of Oak Ridge visited Methodist Medical Center to assemble special activity bags to be distributed to children waiting for loved ones who are patients at Methodist. The women pose with the variety of books and toys they included in each bag. (Submitted photo)
Altrusa International of Oak Ridge recently assembled and donated bags filled with books and toys for distribution to kids who are visiting Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge. The bags’ contents were all donated from businesses and individuals throughout the community. Methodist’s Volunteer Services will oversee the distribution through the hospital’s special Children’s Waiting Areas.
“These bags will make wonderful gifts for our patient families who utilize the Children’s Waiting Areas,” said Lois Ward, director of Volunteer Services at Methodist.
“Waiting while a loved one—especially a parent or grandparent—is in surgery or intensive care can be an emotional time for anyone, but for children it can be especially difficult,” Ward said. “Having a good book to read or a new toy to play with is a great way to help take some of the worry out of their wait.”
In addition to helping lower kids’ anxiety levels while waiting at the hospital, the bags have another purpose: promoting literacy, which is one of the main missions of Altrusa.
With this project, members of Altrusa hope inspire kids’ imaginations and their desire to read.
This press release was submitted by Kelly Goodman.
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