Rogers Foundation’s Angel Fund is hosting a new toy and gift drive through Dec. 23 for children who take part in Rogers Memorial Hospital’s behavioral health programs.
Youth enrolled in those programs largely come from families who face a myriad of stresses and don’t have the resources to purchase many holiday gifts, according to Matthias Schueth, executive vice president for Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“Yet through Rogers’ Angel Fund, the children are able (to) take part in joyful holiday experiences,” Schueth said, adding that those experiences include decorating sugar cookies, creating holiday crafts and gingerbread houses, playing holiday games and unwrapping presents.
“Some of our little ones in years past have asked us to re-wrap their gifts so they would have a present under the tree on Christmas or something to give a sibling,” Schueth said. “It’s a heartfelt day for everyone involved.”
Accepted donations include new toys, Silly Putty or Play-Doh, puzzles, arts and crafts supplies, coats, hats, mittens, pajamas, sweatpants, underwear and socks as well as $10 gift cards to area coffee shops, department stores, fast food restaurants, movie theaters and iTunes. Cash donations will also be accepted. Those donations will factor toward the purchase of specialized equipment, therapeutic outings, gas cards for families to travel to group meeting sessions and overnight stays.
Toys will benefit kids ages 4 through 17. Toys can be dropped off at Ben Franklin, located at 1083 Summit Ave. Whitman Park Shopping Center in Oconomowoc. Rogers Memorial Hospital’s main reception area, 34700 Valley Rd. in Oconomowoc, is also serving as a drop-off locale.
According to Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation, more than half of Rogers patients are children, and each child is given the opportunity to attend a group party and receive a gift.
For more information on the toy and gift drive, contact Linda Schieble of Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation at 262-646-1652 or lschieble@rogershospital.org.
