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thedrifter
01-03-06, 06:51 AM
US marines distribute toys to hospitalized children
HLT-KUWAIT-US-TOYS
US marines distribute toys to hospitalized children
Kuwait News Agency, Kuwait

By Eman Al-Awadhi (with photos) KUWAIT, Jan 4 (KUNA) -- US Marines stationed in Kuwait visited the children wards at Amiri Hospital to distribute toys to the children, an event that took place in coordination with Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH).

The children, many of whom suffer from chronic diseases and are thus hospitalized for long periods of time, were extremely happy with the gesture that put wide smiles on their faces.

Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of the event, Gunnery Sergeant Franklin A. Connor said, "Each year during the holiday season, Marines get together to collect toys from anyone who wishes to donate them or collect money from people and purchase toys with them." He explained that the toys distributed on that day had been donated by the US Embassy community, and that money from other fund raisers was also used to purchase additional toys for the children at hospitals.

"Everything we do is voluntary and donated, and we are trying to find out what other things we can do here for the kids as we are not only here to support the embassy through our job, but also to support the communities in which we are stationed as best as we can," Connor added.

As for KACCH executive committee member Mary Al-Booz, she told KUNA that the Marines had initiated contact through the US Embassy, adding that such visits were always appreciated by the children.

"The children are very happy with the chosen toys, as they are child-appropriate and friendly. Educational toys are also welcomed," she said.

She went on to say that activities were always put together at playrooms in children wards at different hospitals, and they included magicians and clowns acts, annual Eid and Girgee'an parties, as well as parties put on voluntarily by catering companies.

"Such activities brighten the day for the children, and it makes a big difference to them that an event has taken place, and special events like the Marines coming in today is something wonderful for the children," she said.

As for the collection of donations, Al-Booz said that the process was going for the establishment of "Bayt Abdullah", the children's hospice that would provide palliative care for children and their families, thus allowing them to live life "as fully as possible." She called upon those who wanted to donate to this humanitarian project to visit the website www.kacch.org to obtain more information on the project.

Furthermore, she said that there was desperate need for volunteers and that "the more people get involved, the better it is for the children," saying that this can be for two hours a week.

"We need the support of volunteers and the community in order to keep going on," Al-Booz stressed.

For her part, Child Life Specialist Lubna Mohiuddin explained that her role and that of her colleagues was to "help prepare the child and parents psycho-socially, as children are often very psychologically stressed when admitted to hospital because of the invasive procedures they go through." The playroom allows them to feel free and a offers a choice of age-appropriate games and toys with which they can pass time, she said.

Mohiuddin noted that Amiri Hospital was home to the main children's diabetes center and that many of the patients KACCH dealt with were newly diagnosed, as well as others with long-term illnesses, and that was why volunteers were very helpful.

"Volunteers work one-to-one with patients and thus build excellent relationships with them, and then the children wait for them to come. As for bed-ridden children who cannot come to the playroom, volunteers are also a great help" she said.

Meanwhile, playroom leader Neelam Agarwal said that the playroom was a place where play was considered a form of therapy, adding that "we work on a child's weakness through play and we also try to pass on knowledge to them." She said that there were different types of "play", including painting, cooking activities, constructive play using building blocks, and expressive play that used a hammer and tool set to relieve stress in children. The playroom also has a computer and Play Station, as well as a library.

"During peak times we can have over 25 children in the playroom at once, and we often involve parents in such activities," she added.

Agarwal added that although it was not the responsibility of a playroom leader to prepare parents with regard to their child's condition, their inquiries and concerns are passed on to the Child Life Specialist.

She also said that diabetic children were introduced to their condition through the medical corner of the playroom, were they learn about the disease and what it incorporates in a simplified manner.

KACCH is a non-governmental, charitable organization which is managed by volunteers and funded entirely by donations from individuals, businesses and banks within Kuwait.

Ellie

greensideout
01-03-06, 07:59 PM
If the toys help their lives, wonderful.