This year the holidays are going to look different for a lot of us, but for children and their families who will be in the hospital during the holidays, the pandemic has presented a new set of challenges. As parents, we are always looking for ways to help our families give back, show gratitude for the blessings we have and support our community members in need. This year, Atrium Health Levine Children's has made it easier for your family to send notes of support to families and children in the hospital. We are happy to partner with them to spread the message about their current Holiday Cheer campaign:
Being in the hospital during the holidays can be tough on kids and their families. Atrium Health Levine Children’s invites your family to send them a little holiday cheer! Whether it's an uplifting message, a silly joke, or your favorite lyric to a holiday song, they know your message will brighten a kiddo’s day! It is a great way to remind your family of the spirit of giving this holiday season and spreading joy to others.
Click here to craft your message, and their team will handpick a patient to send it to. Thank you for making the holiday season merry and bright!
Why it's Important to Have Children Involved
Our children are never too young to get involved in community service at some level. Dr. Carr, a pediatrician with Waxhaw Pediatrics, shared her tips for involving children in projects that teach them about the privileges they have. The best way to teach kids about giving is to have them participate in community service, Dr. Carr says. “Participating in community service projects can also teach kids about privilege,” she said. “Oftentimes, children don't realize how fortunate they are until they interact with or serve others who are less fortunate.” And community service can start at an early age — there’s no such thing as being too young to help. Dr. Carr said it’s important to teach children that the holidays are about spending time with family and friends, not just for presents. She suggested telling them the best gift they can receive is the feeling of giving to people less fortunate than they are. “Communication with children is key. When asking for gifts, it is important for families to acknowledge privilege and recognize that others are not as fortunate,” Dr. Carr says. “For example, when my children ask for new toys during the holiday season, we ask for them to donate older toys first.”
Taking a few minutes to write a note, send a joke or other personal message to a child who will be in the hospital as we head into the holidays will provide their families and yours with some much needed holiday cheer.
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