Holiday cheer came early for the young patients at Penn State Children’s Hospital during two special events. Rite Aid associates from the greater Harrisburg area visited the Children’s Hospital on Dec. 6, bringing toys and games to children who may not be able to celebrate the season at home with the families and friends.
The Children’s Hospital also invited community members to donate toys and other gifts during its first annual Community Holiday Donation Day on Dec. 9. Approximately 15 individuals, families and organizations delivered presents. One young girl brought a Buzzy, a pain relief device, and asked that children in the Emergency Department hold it before getting shots.
“It was wonderful to see the continuous generosity of our community and the outpouring of support for our pediatric patients and families who spend the holiday season in the hospital,” said Ashley Kane, Child Life Program manager.
Rite Aid employees brought toys, games and pizza for patients and their families. Adellina from Lancaster, pictured above, loved receiving a toy microphone. The holiday visit is part of Rite Aid’s corporate sponsorship and ongoing commitment to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comfort, treatment and hope to 10 million kids each year. In addition to the party, Rite Aid raises more than $550,000 annually for Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital through balloon icon sales, a golf outing and car wash.
The money raised by Rite Aid associates nationwide funds critical care, groundbreaking research and lifesaving equipment at 95 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in communities served by Rite Aid. Since becoming a sponsor in 1994, Rite Aid has raised more than $81 million for pediatric hospitals supported by Children’s Miracle Network.