Unintentional and preventable injuries are the leading cause of death
for children younger than 14. Through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids
initiative, associates volunteer at The Children’s Hospital at
Northwest Texas Healthcare System in Amarillo, Texas. They organize
parties, participate in arts-and-crafts activities, and stock the
playroom with toys for children during their hospital stays.
The 4 year anniversary for the Children’s Hospital is this fall. The
SafeKids Fair, Teddy Bear Clinic, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Picnic was held on Saturday, September 8, 2007 to celebrate.
The Teddy Bear Clinic allows children to visit the hospital and learn
about the care provided. This is a safe, non-threatening way for
children to better understand the environment in the event they ever
need to visit for a medical problem for themselves.
The NICU Picnic is a reunion for parents of children treated in the
Neonatal unit. It is a chance to share memories with doctors and
hospital staff, and also to meet with other parents having experienced
the same dilemmas.
The SafeKids Fair provides information to ensure that families are
safeguarding their children against unintentional and preventable
injuries. Educational activities on animal safety, bicycle safety, fire
prevention, gun-handling precautions, and safe water practices were a
few of the booths available to answer questions and resources to obtain
child safety equipment.
Volunteers from the Amarillo College Nursing students, Tornado Alley
BMX Track, Safe Kids Coalition, and Local Outreach Coordinator
Cunningham were able to fit 250 kids with bicycle helmets. Another 10
helmet/elbow pad/knee pad kits were donated as door prizes for the
event. All helmets were purchased by The Children’s Hospital with
funding by a grant from our local Kohl’s department store. Thank you to
all the volunteers and organizations involved for a successful child
safety awareness day.
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