Spreading Cheer and Comfort: Community Unites to Support Hospitalized Children

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, residents of all ages are invited to participate in the fourth annual Caring for Kids event on August 17th. This initiative aims to create custom cards and provide comfort items for children receiving medical care at local hospitals, fostering a sense of connection and support during their time of need.

Bringing Smiles and Solace to Young Patients

Crafting Cards of Encouragement

The Caring for Kids event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron. Attendees will have the opportunity to decorate personalized get-well-soon cards for children undergoing surgical procedures at McLaren Port Huron, as well as newborns requiring short-term care in the special care unit. These heartfelt messages will serve as a tangible reminder to the young patients that they are not alone in their journey to recovery.Organizer Nathan Thompson emphasizes the importance of this gesture, stating, "It is a very scary thing – not only as a child, but as a parent – to need to go to the hospital for anything. Sometimes people just need to be reminded there are kind strangers who wish them well and have taken some time out of their day to say, 'Hi, get well and here's some lunch for you and your family.'"

Cuddly Companions for Comfort

In addition to the custom cards, each child will receive a special stuffed animal to accompany their personalized message. The organizers have pre-ordered a variety of plush toys, including moose, frogs, monkeys, giraffes, and puppies, to ensure that every young patient has a new furry friend to provide comfort and companionship during their hospital stay."We have purchased new stuffed animals that the participant can pick out to go with the card that they made to give to the patient," Thompson explains. "The stuffed animals, which include moose, frogs, monkeys, giraffes and puppies, were preordered from an American company and are in boxes in my garage currently, 'waiting to be given to a kiddo who needs a buddy.'"

Nourishing Families with Meal Assistance

Recognizing the financial and emotional strain that hospital stays can place on families, the Caring for Kids event is also collecting gift cards to popular food delivery services like GrubHub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. These gift cards will be distributed to the families of the young patients, allowing them to enjoy a warm meal without the added burden of preparing food during this challenging time."A lot of kids who need to stay for multiple days don't want to eat hospital food," Thompson notes. "We also take some to gifts to St. John's on Moross Road in Detroit to their pediatric oncology, ICU and ER."

Fostering Community Connections

The Caring for Kids event is a collaborative effort, with Thompson organizing the event alongside his wife, Katie, and their son, Bear. Additionally, the organizers have enlisted a dedicated team of volunteers to assist with the setup and execution of the event, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all participants."We also have a strong squad of helpers the past few years that help us set up and run the event on the day, too," Thompson shares.The organizers are hopeful that this year's event will surpass the previous year's achievements, with a goal of decorating 600 cards and distributing an equal number of stuffed animals. Thompson expresses his enthusiasm, stating, "I would be shook if we have 600 gift cards to go with each set. Last year we achieved about 500 of each item, so we are shooting for a little father reach this year."

Embracing the Spirit of Kindness

The Caring for Kids event is a testament to the power of community and the transformative impact of simple acts of kindness. By providing an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and create personalized messages of hope and support, the organizers aim to uplift the spirits of young patients and their families during a challenging time."I believe it's important for a community to come together and remind each other that we care about each other; to not pass by the sick stranger who needs a Band-Aid and a good meal," Thompson reflects. "It's such a simple thing, but we can over complicate kindness sometimes and this is a way to get behind a simple act of kindness that will brighten someone's day."The Caring for Kids event is open to all, with no registration required. Participants are welcome to stay for the full two-hour duration and create as many cards as they desire, or they can simply drop in, make a few cards, and depart. The organizers encourage community members to contribute in any way they can, whether it's through card-making, stuffed animal donations, or financial support."All are welcome at the table," Thompson affirms. "Come and make a card, pick out a stuffy to go with it and if you're capable to donate a gift card or two, please do."As the fourth annual Caring for Kids event approaches, the community of Port Huron and beyond is poised to come together and spread joy, comfort, and support to the young patients in need. This heartwarming initiative serves as a shining example of the transformative power of collective compassion and the profound impact that a simple act of kindness can have on the lives of those who need it most.