Let’s first begin by introducing you to Barbara Sacco, Director of Child Life at Shriners Hospitals for Children right here in Saint Louis. Barbara has worked at Shriners Hospitals for Children for 36 years and counting. She directs the operations of the Recreational Therapy, Child Life and Patient Education areas in the hospital.
Logo Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis |
At this local hospital, patients range in the age of newborn to 18 years. Those children with orthopaedic conditions are served in an outpatient clinic, outpatient surgery and inpatient settings. They come from a nine state area, including Missouri and receive services, regardless of their ability to pay.
Photo Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis |
The facility utilizes books within the hospital for outpatients, inpatients and family members. They have a number of books available in the patient/parent library, hospital classroom, recreational therapy department playroom and the Teen Lounge.
Shriners Saint Louis is looking for books that will stimulate the children’s desire to read. These may include current popular titles, classics and special interest. For the younger children, books with vivid colors are best and hard covers are preferred. Chapter books are useful in the classroom. Family members are looking for light reading; something easy to pick up and put down as needed. Books in Spanish are also frequently requested for readers of all ages.
Photo Courtesy of Shriners Hospitals for Children - St. Louis |
As Barbara states, “Books are a great resource for our children and families to distract attention away from the procedures, surgery and therapy that are necessary during a hospital stay. Literature can provide a great escape from the stresses associated with childhood hospitalizations.”
I cannot agree more with that last comment and the exact reason that I call for you to assist in bringing this resource to the children and their families of Shriners Hospitals for Children here in Saint Louis. I particularly urge you to remember those teens in treatment, particularly with the fabulous young adult and teen reads currently gracing the shelves in today’s bookstores.
LITERARY LOVE SKETCH
Who: The children and their families being served by Shriners Hospitals for Children in Saint Louis.
What: Books for children aged newborn to 18 years, though I am personally focusing on the young adult and teen reads. Due to the treatment requirements, ONLY new books are acceptable. Books in Spanish are also encouraged.
Where: You can mail all books directly to:
Tif Talks Books
PO Box 260031
St. Louis, MO 63126
Why: Barbara Sacco says it best with her previous statement, “Books are a great resource for our children and families to distract attention away from the procedures, surgery and therapy that are necessary during a hospital stay. Literature can provide a great escape from the stresses associated with childhood hospitalizations.”
Questions? Email me at tiftalksbooks (at) gmail (dot) com
Help to spread the literary love for a great cause!
This is so great, Tif -- what could be better than a book drive for kids going through a very tough time? I hope your proverbial bookcase overfloweth with good reads for the hospital!
ReplyDeleteMeg ... Thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your good wishes (and loved the way you worded them)!! :)
DeleteI can't commend you enough for taking on such a great project! Please do keep us apprised of the progress!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jenn! I will definitely keep you posted!!
Delete