Spreading Joy and Imagination: Fiction for Kids' Donation to Hasbro Children's Hospital
After a long hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have returned to making donations! In an effort to bring joy, comfort, and imagination to young patients, Fiction for Kids made a heartwarming donation on May 15th, 2023 to the Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. Led by dedicated members Megan Feragne, Alexandra Wong, and Helen Xie, Fiction for Kids contributed 50 captivating stories and 33 cuddly stuffed animals to the hospital. The selfless act of these individuals and the support of our CEO, Christina Wong, who helped print and assemble the stories, showcased the power of literature and compassion in positively impacting the lives of children.
Fiction for Kids' donation encompassed a wide range of stories suitable for children of all ages, from enchanting picture books to captivating tales for high schoolers. The collection also featured stories in three different languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin, ensuring that children from diverse backgrounds could find comfort and familiarity within the pages. This thoughtful inclusion of multilingual literature allowed Fiction for Kids to truly connect with a diverse range of patients and promote inclusivity.
To make the donation experience even more special, members of Fiction for Kids personally went room to room, allowing the pediatric patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital to handpick their favorite story and stuffed animal. This personalized approach not only brought smiles to the faces of the children but also gave them a sense of ownership and control during their hospital stay. We hope that choosing their own story and companion provided a much-needed escape from the challenges they were facing.
Helen Xie and Megan Feragne, members of Fiction for Kids, went above and beyond by personally reading two captivating stories to pediatric patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital. They shared the enchanting tale of "Wingless' Flight" and even gave a sneak peek of an upcoming release, "Save the North Pole," bringing smiles and excitement to the young listener's face. During the readings, some of the kids chose the enact the adventures of their unicorn stuffed animal alongside the story!
Among the donated stories, three titles stood out as favorites among the young patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital. "Rocky Saves the Day" captured the hearts of many who were excited to learn about dinosaurs. Following closely behind was "A Seal Search," a delightful adventure that whisked readers away to a world of underwater wonders. Lastly, "Wingless' Flight" inspired imaginations, teaching valuable lessons about determination and problem-solving.
Fiction for Kids would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Child Life Specialists at Hasbro Children's Hospital for their dedication and unwavering support. Mallory Kropman, Micaela Hall Materne, Kyle McDonald, Kimberly Morse, and all the nurses on the pediatric floor played an integral role in ensuring that this donation reached the deserving hands of the children. Their compassion and tireless efforts in providing comfort and care to young patients are truly commendable. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in making this donation a success.
We hope the donation of 50 stories and 33 stuffed animals by Fiction for Kids to the Hasbro Children's Hospital has made an impact on the lives on both current and future pediatric patients. Through the power of literature, we hope we brought some joy, comfort, and imagination to children during their hospital stay. Megan Feragne, Alexandra Wong, Christina Wong, and Helen Xie's dedication to this cause, along with the support of the Child Life Specialists and nurses, exemplifies the immense positive change that can be achieved through collaboration and kindness. Of course, thank you to all of our writers, illustrators, editors, translators, graphic designers, and other volunteers who have contributed to our library and made this donation possible! Fiction for Kids remains committed to its mission of spreading the joy of reading, and this donation stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to the well-being of children in need.