Gearing Up to Deliver Holiday Joy to Kids
Once September rolls around, supporting kids during the holidays kicks into gear for the Child Life Team at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach, CA.
On a given Monday, you might find Rita Goshert, Director of the Child Life Program, in the playroom helping patients for one moment, then meeting with donors next. A few hours later, she’s sorting through toy donations – and before the day ends, she’s back to caring for kids.
“It’s a wonderful time of year for us, but very busy,” shares Rita. “We’re trying to balance patient care and our regular responsibilities with all of the donations, donor relations and special events ...”
Every week, Rita and her team visit their storage units at the hospital campus to make room for seasonal toy deliveries that pour in -- many from Starlight’s Toy Delivery program.
By December, toys will be moved to a large conference room and fill every corner. Rita and her team organize toys in categories around the room: infant, toddler, and then preschool. Then, they divide it even further: preschool boy, preschool girl, school-age boy, school-age girl, and teenagers.
“That room gets very full. We start organizing donations on tables and then everything starts spilling out to the center of the room. It’s truly amazing to see when we get all the donations that start coming in.”
- Rita Goshert, Director of the Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
Santa’s Workshop in Full Swing
On December 23rd it’s “Santa’s Workshop” inside Miller Children’s. The Child Life team gathers for a day full of packing. Every person fills large bags with carefully chosen gifts for each patient.
Choosing the perfect toy, though, is not as easy as you think!
Child life specialists are thoughtfully considering which toys best suit a child’s current needs and situation in the hospital.
Even though some kids are three years old, that doesn’t always mean that their developmental needs match their age.
“We ensure we’re giving a very appropriate toy to meet specific patients’ needs at this time in their hospital stay. It’s considering their development, their temperament and how they are coping right here and now.”
- Rita Goshert, Director of the Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital
Rita shared an example:
“Imagine a child who loves painting and creating art, but right now they’re recovering from a surgery that limits their movement. Instead of giving them a big easel and canvas, we’d choose something like a small sketchbook and colored pencils, as it still sparks their creativity without causing frustration.”
The team stays flexible until the last minute. Kids are often admitted overnight and stay on Christmas Eve, so the morning of the 24th, as Rita puts it, is “very hectic, in a good way to benefit the patients and families!”
Toys, Smiles and Holiday Magic
Then comes the big day – December 24th. Santa Claus himself makes an appearance, delivering bags of gifts to each child’s room.
Kids light up with joy as they tear open each brand-new toy. Parents smile, sometimes cry. Seeing their kids experience happiness amidst everything they are going through is the comfort they need.
“Many families get very emotional because they are so worried about everything,” Rita shares. “‘How am I going to manage? How am I going to buy presents? My child’s in the hospital, I don’t want to leave their side.’ All those things are going through their minds.”
Other times, parents sigh with relief. When their kids can receive brand-new, gifted toys, they don’t have to worry about how they will find time to go shopping and wrap gifts. Families can celebrate with ease, relieving an additional layer of stress, worry and concern.
"It’s really critical that we provide the donations that we bring to their bedside from Santa. It takes a big burden off the family’s shoulders and most importantly makes this a magical experience for the patients.” - Rita
Bring Holiday Magic to Children’s Hospitals
These happy and hope-filled moments are made possible because of generous community donors like you.
When you fund Starlight Toy Deliveries, hospitals like Miller Children’s have the toys they need so every family can celebrate with joy and ease.
“We could not do what we do at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital without our partnership with Starlight. ... I truly mean that with all my heart. I've been here a long time, and we've been partnered with Starlight the entire 38 years that I've worked here.”
The countdown is on. Help us fill more hospitals with happiness.
Every $25 helps one child receive a gift.
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