Greenville Memorial Hospital: Charities to Know About

While my son was in the hospital a few weeks back, there were several charities that made his stay easier on me and him.

Happy Wheels

Every week, volunteers push a cart through the halls of the Greenville (and Columbia) Children's Hospital. This cart is filled with new toys and books. Each week, every child gets to pick a toy or book that is useful for passing time in the hospital. They even get to take the toy or book home with them. It really puts a smile on their faces. Tbomb was so excited to get a Star Wars Lego set. On their website, there are ways to help by buying shirts, donating toys and books, and volunteering. 

The Ronald McDonald House

I was aware of the Ronald McDonald house and always donated at the register because they were a huge help to my family. When my cousin was born and a child, she had many heart surgeries. Because of the Ronald McDonald house, her family was able to stay close instead of driving back and forth between Charleston and our mountain town. Her family didn't have to worry about anything. They had a room, food to eat, people to talk to, and even things for her brother to do. 

Fast forward and I learned something really cool. The Ronald McDonald house has a Family Room at the Greenville Children's Hospital. There are snacks, drinks, coffee, games to play, and so much more. There are comfortable seats as well. There are volunteers that family members can talk to. This is a great place for parents and siblings to get a breath of fresh air. They even have gifts and hygiene products for parents- to make the stay a little more comfortable for them as well. When you go in, they have you choose a gift for your child as well- again a Lego set- this time, a Spiderman one. The greatest thing about this is having somewhere to go without looking at the machines to catch a breath and have someone to talk to. 

On their website, there are ways to help. You can help plan a party, adopt a room, volunteer, donate money, and even buy from their wishlist. 

Valiant Player

Some Furman Soccer players came by the room while we were there and Tbomb got to take pictures with them. They even gave him a coloring book, bracelets, and a Furman Soccer Patch. It was really cool. They even talked video games with him. 

These guys were really sweet. They were laughing with all of the kids. Its not just the guys' soccer team, it is several teams from Furman and Clemson that participate. This is a great program and I would love to see more from them- they are making a huge difference. See if you can help at ValientPlayer.org

Child Life Services

The Child Life Program is actually part of the Greenville Hospital System, but it is really awesome. There is a playroom. Volunteers come by to see if kids need something to do. They clean the toys and equipment in the hospital and doctor offices. They are available to siblings and parents if support is needed. I believe they even help with making sure the kids don't get behind in school. They even talk to the kids and offer support before procedures. You should definitely check out their website to see all of their services and how you can help. 

If there are other organizations that help children in the hospital, I would love to include them in this list. I would love to have a more comprehensive list of services for parents to reference.