No matter the size, shape, or style; a stuffed animal can
always make a hospitalized child feel better. From the smallest beanies, to the
largest stuffed creation, all new cuddly creatures are wanted and greatly
appreciated. Stuffed animals must be new
for sanitation purposes for use in a hospital.
Beanie Babies are donated to the NICU (neonatal intensive
care unit) for physicians and nurses to use to improve the quality of life for
premature babies. These stuffed animals make the babies feel protected and
serve as a positional aid. All other new stuffed animals can go home with the
inpatient children or emergency room visitors.
If there is a guest visiting with a patient you may want to
give them one as well. Sometimes it is hard to be the sibling of an injured or
ill child. Always ask the parent if it is ok first. Most of the time the nurses
will be handing out the stuffed animals and sometimes they ask all of the
children who are able to go into the playroom to come in at a given time to
pick out a surprise stuffed animal.
Since Operation Noah is based in Chandler,
Arizona, it may not be easy to donate them
directly to the organizations home chapter. However, it is possible to donate
stuffed animals in Operation Noah’s name. There are Hospitals big and small all
around the country. I am sure there is even one close to your home or school.
You may also want to take the stuffed animals on vacation with you and visit a
new hospital.
To donate to a hospital in Operation Noah’s name, first
contact the hospital or urgent care. Ask if they have a “Child Life” specialist
on staff. If not, ask to speak to a charge nurse. Introduce yourself and tell
them that you are calling on behalf of Operation Noah. It is also necessary to
give them a quick background about the organization. An example would be:
“Hello
my name is Dennis Fries and I am with Operation Noah. We collect new stuffed
animals and donate them to hospitals all around the country. I am going to
arrange a new drive and would like to donate them to your hospital. You will
not need to do any of the work. Is this something you would be interested in?”
If they say yes, which most do, ask them about their
policies on visitations to see whether or not they will allow you to personally
donate the stuffed animals. After that, set up a time and date to come in and
they will take care of everything else.