AppWork brought about 1,185 toys to the Ochsner Children’s Hospital with pledges from Apartmentalize attendees during the trade show.
By Paul Bereron
A heartwarming and highly successful effort to deliver toys to needy children undergoing care at an area hospital in New Orleans was a highlight of the recent National Apartment Association Apartmentalize conference held there last month.
Mobile maintenance software provider AppWork brought about 1,185 toys to the Ochsner Children’s Hospital on Friday, having collected pledges from Apartmentalize attendees during the trade show.
Attendees had the chance to “find their favorite” and write a quick note, which was delivered with the toys (973 letters were written, and $1,000 was gifted in what became a priceless experience for the children, according to Shannon Yale, who represented the hospital.
“From the very beginning, AppWork was focused on making a positive impact, and we were honored to be part of it,” Yale said.
“This marked the first time an organization has integrated a toy drive into its conference in this way and invited attendees to participate as part of the event experience. We loved the concept and were incredibly impressed by the response.”
Because the hospital serves children with a wide range of medical conditions, the toys were received by the hospital’s Child Life team, which has carefully matched items to patients, an effort that will continue throughout the year.
Ochsner Children’s cares for patients receiving treatments, including cancer care, cardiac care, surgery, emergency care, intensive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses.
Lengths of stay vary significantly, with some patients visiting for a single procedure or appointment and others spending weeks or even months in the hospital.
Yale said that donations like these help provide comfort, distraction, and a sense of normalcy for children and families during what can often be a challenging time.
“What made this project so special was the thoughtfulness behind it,” Danielle Dugas, MS, CCLS, Certified Child Life Specialist, Ochsner Children’s Hospital, said.
“AppWork’s generosity will help provide comfort, distraction, and moments of joy for patients that can make a lasting difference in a child’s hospital experience.”
“The hospital team was incredibly excited by the gesture,” Yale said. “AppWork’s generosity and commitment to making a difference for children made a lasting impression on everyone involved.”
About the author:
Paul Bergeron is a free-lance writer.
