Volunteers spread holiday cheer to child patients

St. Luke's volunteers are helping make the hospital a little brighter for child patients this Christmas.

Children admitted to St. Luke's Hospital over the Christmas period will receive one of a couple of dozen stockings carefully stuffed full of goodies by members of the Volunteer Services Guild special events committee.

"It's just a way of brightening up their holidays," said Barb Strand, co-chair of the committee. "They are truly excited. It's like, 'Santa Claus is really here – we are remembered!' If they are really distressed or in pain or frightened, it's really neat to see the expressions on their faces when they see those."

In addition to stocking stuffers purchased by the volunteers with the help of a donation from Valentini's Deli, a helping hand was also given by the members of St. Raphael's Church in Pike Lake, who made 25 teddy bears, and Dr. Jugovich, of Pike Lake Dental Center, who donated children's teeth cleaning kits.

Posted to website: December 13, 2012