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If you have ever spent time in the hospital, you know how stir crazy sitting in a room day in and day out can make you feel, and being sick only emphasizes the feeling. Now think if you were a child in the same situation. In pediatric units everywhere, children are experiencing some of the hardest times of their lives and in an effort to keep these children's minds far from their circumstances and boredom, a group of local residents has formed Brandon Buddies to help children have easier stays in the pediatric unit at Brandon Regional Hospital.
The group was started by Kember DeMott, a mother who, when in hospital with her son, noticed children left by themselves all day with nothing to do and even those who had a parent with them became bored.
Brandon Buddies is a service that provides pediatric patients with toys, coloring books and all sorts of activities to keep children busy.
DeMott states, "The service was started because we thought it would be nice to provide children with something to do each day. We collect specific items every month. Because some things cannot be given to the children due to allergic reactions, I e-mail all members a week ahead of time to let them know what items to purchase. We even have made goodie bags for the babies in need by acquiring diapers, receiving blankets, teething rings, etc. And then we make 20-25 goodie bags which vary depending on the census of the hospital. The goodie bags are then taken to the hospital and distributed by the nurses."
Brandon Buddies is currently recruiting new members. The group meets once a month for one or two hours. During the meeting, members fashion bags of toys and focus on different age groups each month in order to make sure everyone is reached.
"There is no criteria to become a member. It is an informal organization and there are no membership fees. We just need people who are interested in helping out and will commit to it once a month," states DeMott, who explains that there are currently 20 members.
DeMott adds, "Our goal is to continue providing this service to Brandon Regional Hospital's pediatric unit and to also branch out to other hospitals' pediatric units. I believe kids really enjoy receiving something different and new and this service helps children who are stuck in a hospital bed get their minds off of things. The pediatric nurses said that they really appreciated it because it helps keep kids occupied. And I think it is an easy thing to do that makes a tremendous difference to someone."
The group is also looking for anyone who could drive the goodie bags to the hospital. High school students are encouraged to volunteer for this position in order to obtain some easy community hours.
If you are interested in becoming a member or for more information regarding Brandon Buddies, call DeMott at 655-5071 or e-mail her at kmbrd@earthlink.net.
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