ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A mother sat alone with a cup of hot chocolate and concerns for her 5-year-old son in a hospital bed a few floors above.
Arlene Nunez of Allentown was surrounded by Christmas music and tables of donated new toys in the Educational Center Room 6 of the Kasych Family Pavilion at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest on Tuesday morning,
For a 14th consecutive year, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital held its annual holiday gift shop for parents and caregivers of admitted pediatric patients.
Folks were encouraged to select free gifts for their hospital-admitted child, as well as for other children in their family.
“I just hope the animals make him feel a little better.”Arlene Nunez of Allentown
As Nunez drank in the scene, she smiled briefly, thankful she was able to pick out son Leo’s favorite plush animals — Bluey and Blinky.
“He really likes them,” she said. “He’s been here for three days already with a respiratory infection. He also has low-functioning autism.
"He’s still learning how to do a lot of things on his own; teaching him the potty has been a challenge. Many things are a struggle for him, but he’s coming along.
“I just hope the animals make him feel a little better.”
Which would be a parent’s greatest gift of all.
'This gives them one distraction'
More than 1,000 toys were available for the 90 families who registered for the toys that were donated by various members of the Lehigh Valley community.
The gift giveaway included free gift wrapping on site by LVHN employees.
Many of the gifts were transported to the children’s hospital rooms to help brighten their holiday.
"If this can bring a little brightness to their day, that’s the goal. We’re happy to do this for them.”Trish Dilg, LVHN Child Life Department
“We can absolutely see the appreciation in the faces of the families when they come to shop,” Trish Dilg of the LVHN child life department said.
“The families are dealing with enough with their children being in the hospital for various reasons. This gives them one distraction.
"If this can bring a little brightness to their day, that’s the goal. We’re happy to do this for them.”
'Special day for families — and for us'
Selenia Batisea was among the parents wearing a smile. She picked out a Barbie doll house for her daughter Elise, 3, who is a patient with Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV.
“It triggers her asthma and makes it so hard to breathe,” Batista said. “The gifts should make her feel better. This giveaway is very appreciated.
"They also let me take a gift for my [4-year-old] daughter Grace, who is at home.”
Lucia Trentacosta, 3, who was discharged from the hospital after being treated for hip inflammation, perused the tables before finding a Bluey stuffed animal.
The joy on the faces of the parents and children made the event extra special for LVHN employees.
"This is such a special day for the families, but also for us," said Stacie Cuda, LVHN manager of special events.
"When we can do something to make their day a little better when their child is in the hospital, it makes all the work worthwhile."
