Penn Highlands Mon Valley Emergency Department Receives Jared Box Donation
The Penn Highlands Mon Valley Emergency Department (ED) recently received a donation of Jared Boxes from representatives from the Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development Department.
For more than 20 years, Jared Boxes have brought enjoyment and hope to children in hospitals across the United States. The Jared Box Project was started in 2001 by the children of Our Lady of Victory School in State College, PA, to honor their classmate and friend, Jared. He was a brave child who battled cancer with a courage and faith that inspired those around him. Since then, more than 1 million Jared Boxes have been delivered to approximately 500 hospitals across the country. Boxes filled with the “gift of play” are given to young patients in emergency departments, hospital rooms, surgical centers and clinics. Each box contains small gifts, toys, games, crayons, coloring books and fun activities selected for a specific age and gender. Individuals and community groups, such as scout troops, churches, schools and many others fill the boxes and distribute them to hospitals.
The Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development Department acts as a clearinghouse for the nine hospitals in the health system and distributes the boxes it collects as needed.
“We were delighted to receive the Jared Boxes,” said Kathy Korcek, ED Coordinator at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. “Often when children are in the ED they are frightened and need something to help take their mind off of being in an unfamiliar setting or dealing with an injury or illness. The Jared Boxes will serve as a diversion.”
Sherry Watkins, the Chief Nursing Officer at Penn Highlands Mon Valley added, “We greatly appreciate this donation. The Jared Boxes will also be used for children where they are needed throughout the hospital such as in Medical Imaging.”
If you are interested in donating Jared Boxes to Penn Highlands Healthcare, please contact Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development at [email protected] or call 814-375-3901.
