Toys for Tots brings toy tote for Tri Star Lovers Lane ER for children in stressful situations
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Toys for Tots is expanding its mission and continuing its efforts to serve the community year-round.
The organization recently delivered a toy tote to the TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital emergency room on Lovers Lane. The initiative is designed to bring comfort to children facing stressful situations.
“This year we wanted to do something new, and that’s where the toy tote initiative came in,” said Toys for Tots coordinator Janel Doyle. “We want to serve all year long. Christmas isn’t just a season to us, it’s year-round. Because of the generosity shown by our community through donations, why not give all year long?”
Youth volunteers also played a major role in the effort, hoping to inspire others to get involved.
“A lot of times youth involvement needs to happen more,” said Darby Meredith, a Toys for Tots youth ambassador and mentor. “The more youth involved, the better the community will be and the more people will volunteer in the future.”
Hospital staff say the timing is important. With recent winter weather creating icy conditions, the emergency room has seen more children come through its doors. Staff say even a small toy can bring comfort during a difficult moment.
“We are seeing an increasing volume of children, especially after the holidays and with the ice storm,” said Kim King, an ER manager at TriStar. “We’re seeing more child injuries, and giving them something comforting, even a small toy, can help. We’re thankful for the service.”
Staff say children often ask for something to comfort them during visits.
“A lot of kids come in wanting a sucker or a toy, something to comfort them,” said Taylor Barnett, an emergency department patient care technician at TriStar. “We try to make sure every child has something and that families feel supported while they’re here.”
Toys for Tots operates year-round and is always seeking volunteers and donations. To learn how to help, visit the organization’s website.
