Any donations are appreciated, whether it’s clothes, bedding, art supplies, or toys. Clothing from sizes 0 to adult is always needed. The social worker at the hospital often asks us for clothes, jackets, and shoes to give to families that are in need. Thanks to people around the world who generously give, we are able to fill these requests.
We also provide the hospital with onesies and pajamas for the children who are left there, as well as giving toys to the children and play therapists to use.
During special holidays such as Christmas and Easter we pass out donated books, toys and games to the children at the hospital and to the children in the nearby Roma village.
The Baby Closet
In the spring of 2011 a team from Michigan came with the purpose of organizing our donations in a more structured and functional way. The end result was a replica of what they call Baby Closet, a makeshift store where mothers can come to and choose items for their baby at no cost. Since in the hospital most of the mothers cannot leave their child alone, we took their idea and mobilized it. Now once a week we use this resource to bless the moms in the hospital by handing out clothes and hygiene products.
Katie Greiner
(FORMER) PROJECT MANAGER
“Many of these mothers have so little, and seeing their faces light up when we give them a cute little outfit and pacifier for their baby is so sweet to see. In addition to the baby clothes, we also give toothbrushes and toothpaste to the mothers and kids, and it’s so cute to see how the kids always head straight for the sink to start brushing as soon as we leave! It has been so good to meet so many of these mothers and kids while doing this, and I love being able to brighten their day with these gifts and just by showing that we care for them.”
Renovations
FFR efforts have also extended to the hospital itself. Our first renovation was in 2005 where we asked the State to build a playground on the hospital grounds that can be used by all the children in the hospital who need fresh air and fun. Thousands of euros have been generously donated throughout the years and invested into improving the hospital; new thermopane windows, painting, and purchasing much needed medical equipment. Volunteers have also used their talents to brighten up the rooms for the children by painting murals of Winnie-the-Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and other beloved characters on the walls. Little by little the children’s hospital is improving inside and out.
