Pediatric patients at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center (HRMC) are the benefactors of a toy drive conducted during the holiday season by Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse and the Salt City Chapter of the Guardians of the Children, an international organization dedicated to children and the prevention of child abuse.
Representatives of Hutch Regional were at Lowe’s this morning to pick up the toys at a ceremony attended by several members of a group representing the Guardians of the Children.
Sam White, Assistant Manager of the Hutchinson Lowe’s store, said the donation included games, dolls, stuffed animals and toy trucks.
White said Lowe’s has undertaken a project during each of the past 11 years to benefit children hospitalized at HRMC.
Jill White, RN, BSN, Director of Patient Care Services at HRMC, said toys can be an important part of the recovery process for young patients.
“We have experienced unique challenges for our hospitalized children this year,” White said. “Due to COVID-19 and restrictions we’ve had to implement, children aren’t able to have extra visitors such as siblings to help occupy their time while in the hospital.”
“This year more than ever, the toys and activities have been helpful in making their hospitalization a little brighter,” White continued.
Ken Johnson, President and CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, said hospitalization may be especially difficult during the holiday season, and in particular, for young children.
“So, it is especially gratifying when a great corporate citizen such as Lowe’s joins forces with Guardians of the Children to assist children who have the misfortune of being hospitalized during the holiday season,” Johnson said. “Thanks to Lowe’s and Guardians of the Children, approximately 200 children will have a more pleasant hospital stay.”
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center is an entity of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System. Other entities are Health-E-Quip, Horizons Mental Health Center, Hospice & Homecare of Reno County and Hutchinson Regional Medical Foundation.
