Holiday Hope Tip # 1: Contacting Your Local Hospital, Medical Care Home or Housing Facility

Holiday Hope Tip # 1: Contacting Your Local Hospital, Medical Care Home or Housing Facility

One thing we hear a lot is "I want to donate, but I don't know how to go about doing it". That's why we created this event! To help you help others this holiday season!

Contact your hospital's Child Life Department, Volunteer Services, Chaplin, Support Teams, or the Unit Director and let them know you were interested in donating. You can almost always find their telephone numbers on their website. If not, see if they have a Facebook page and ask on there. And if that doesn't work - try just calling the hospital and ask a service rep!

Once you are cleared to deliver at the hospital, be sure to ask if there are any restrictions on items that are included or check their website. Some hospitals may not allow certain items like blankets, stuffed animals or food. Some hospitals even have specific guidelines on how those items must be stored, washed, etc... If you are not sure what your hospital, medical care or housing facilities allows contact the Child Life Department, Volunteer Services, Chaplin, Support Teams, or Unit Director you gained clearance through.

This is often the most difficult part in the process because it may take some time for the hospital to connect you with the right personnel and even more time if they have to approve your donation. Policies vary greatly from facility to facility. Some may have an open donation policy and some have very specific guidelines on what can be donated. You may want to start at least a month in advance to ensure that you have approval in time for the holidays.

For more tips follow us on Facebook or join our Facebook group.

If you need any additional help or advice on how to get in touch with your local ICU, email us at info@projectsweetpeas.com. We would be more then happy to help!