By Berit Ollestad
Not only was the check huge, physically. The numbers on it were pretty impressive, too.
Students from the Morris School District proudly presented a $10,600 donation to the Goryeb Children’s Hospital earlier this month.
The pupils had donated their spare change for months as part of Coins for a Cause, a program that has raised more than $100,000 for area charities since its inception in 2003. It’s also a lesson in democracy; the kids hear pitches from nonprofits and vote on which one to support each year.
“We just really want to thank you all so much. It’s such an honor to be selected. It’s wonderful to see children helping children. They should feel so proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish” said Kristin Holtzman, child life specialist at Goryeb, which is part of Morristown Medical Center.
- Child Life Specialist Kristin Holtzman at Goryeb Children’s Hospital. Photo by Berit Ollestad
The mission of the Child Life Department is help children and families deal with their extended hospital stays with as much ease and comfort as possible. They do this with art and music programs and the use of iPads.
It’s likely that the students’ donation will purchase additional iPads. Certain apps can help demystify medical procedures and reassure young patients, via sounds and illustrations they can identify with, Holtzman said.
Provident Bank, a partner in Coins for a Cause, was on hand for the presentation.
“These children are our future leaders of tomorrow and it gives them the ability to look around their community and decide who it is they want to help,” said Provident Bank area Vice President Lucio Valerio.
“We like to think of ourselves as the local bank here in the community. So, it makes sense for us to continue each year to partner with the school district and to support the Coins for a Cause drive that supports the local community,” he said.
