The Ross Medical Education Center campus in Saginaw teamed up with Heather Appold, volunteer coordinator for Covenant Kids, in the month of July. New and gently used books for children ranging from toddlers to young adults were collected in the main lobby at the Ross campus. At Covenant, any child visiting the Pediatric Emergency Care Center receives a complimentary book. Many of the Ross staff and students chose books that had special meaning stemming from their own childhood memories. Sarah Hartwick, Financial Aid Student Services Representative, donated a book that she and her son use to read together while he was growing up. All those that participated agreed that it was a simple but powerful way to make a difference in a child’s life.
Through drives like the one at Ross, books are donated throughout the year leading up to the annual Covenant Kids telethon. Covenant holds a yearly telethon to raise money in order to purchase specialized equipment needed in the pediatric units. Services at Covenant are provided in a family friendly setting where parents are able to spend the night in the room with the child while taking breaks in the well-equipped lounge. Counseling services are also readily available to help families cope.
Heather Appold came and spoke to the students in the Medical Assistant, Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration, Dental Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician programs regarding volunteer opportunities available at Covenant Hospital. She brought a sample of Buzzy Bee, a special device used to distract a child while they are having their blood drawn. This device is available because of the fundraising efforts of Covenant Kids Foundation. Buzzy Bee is a device that helps desensitize the body’s nerves by vibrating in order to dull the pain from having an injection or blood drawn. The wings are also a special ice pack. Covenant Hospital now has 19 of these devices thanks to the Covenant Kids Fund.
Covenant has an extensive volunteer program ranging from craft time in pediatrics to working in the mail room. There are many opportunities available. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Heather Appold at happold@chs-mi.com or visit the website at www.covenanthealthcare.com.