Kiwanis Club makes holiday brighter for hospitalized kids
From staff Reports December 27, 2012 11:46AM
Faith Ann Vargas (left), president of the Kiwanis Club of Shorewood, visits with Caleb Collins, a young patient in the Pediatric Unit at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Cente in Joliet. | submitted photo
Updated: January 29, 2013 6:16AM
The Kiwanis Club of Shorewood donated 40 teddy bears to young patients at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Several club members stopped by the medical center recently to visit with children and families in the Pediatric Unit. They personally delivered the bears to their new owners and wished the children a happy holiday.
The club also committed to regularly delivering additional bears to the unit in the future.
“A small, simple gesture like a stuffed animal goes a long way toward making our patients feel welcomed and loved, especially children who are spending their holiday away from home,” said Toni Lee, RN, patient care manager, Pediatric Unit.
In accordance with the Kiwanis mission, the Shorewood Kiwanis Club seeks to directly benefit local children and families and has made a special commitment to support the pediatric program at Provena Saint Joseph.
The volunteer group of 11 members hosted it’s first-ever “Glitz and Glitter Casino Night” last April, which featured gaming tables and auctions. The event raised $15,000 to benefit the pediatric program.
The second annual Casino Night is scheduled for April 27 at 176 West.
“We are so pleased to have an ongoing partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Shorewood to support our pediatric program,” said Beth Hughes, president and CEO of the medical center.
“Our pediatric specialty services continue to expand each year. In 2012, we were fortunate to welcome four talented new pediatric hospitalists who provide our young patients with university-level care while keeping the children close to home.”
