OCONOMOWOC, Wis. – In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation is encouraging individuals and businesses to consider donating a gift for the Give for A Better Day Holiday Gift Drive for children ages 8 through 17 enrolled in Rogers Memorial Hospital’s behavioral health programs.
According to Matthias Schueth, executive VP for Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation, “Due to stigma, patients and families may feel an overwhelming sense of shame and isolation when seeking treatment for their mental health disease. The holidays can be an especially trying time for our young patients. Gifts from the community sends a message of understanding and compassion.”
“That is why this year we are encouraging not only individuals to donate to this deserving gift drive, but to also invite your place of business to consider hosting a gift drive. It’s a great way for organizations to raise awareness of mental health and wellness and demonstrate support for patients in need.”
One of the most requested items for the adolescent patients is a $10 gift card to retailers such as Target, iTunes, movie theatres, coffee shops and fast food restaurants. Other popular gifts include: art supplies, mindfulness coloring books (commonly referred to as adult coloring books), stuffed animals, journals without spiral binding, puzzles, board games, Word Search books, Silly Putty, hats, scarves, and mittens. Cash donations are also gratefully received to help with specialized equipment, therapeutic outings, gas cards for families to attend a group sessions, as well as overnight accommodations.
Donations can be dropped off at Ben Franklin at 1083 Summit Ave Whitman Park Shopping Center in Oconomowoc, arranged for pick-up, or delivered to Rogers Foundation office at 1860 Executive Drive, Oconomowoc, Suite A-1 (by appointment only). The Foundation is requesting gifts for the holidays by December 10, but general donations are gratefully received throughout the year.
With roughly half of all patients at Rogers under 18 years old, the Foundation ensures that every child going through treatment during the holidays participates in a group party and receives presents. This includes children in Rogers’ half-day programs in Kenosha, Brown Deer and Milwaukee. Combined, these treatment centers serve more than 200 children each day, many of whom come from some of Milwaukee’s most poverty-stricken neighborhoods. It’s also important to note that while the holidays are especially critical for children, the need for donations extend throughout the year – not only for children, but for all ages.
For questions or to donate, contact Linda Schieble at 262.646.1652 or email her at lschieble@rogershospital.org.
Rogers Memorial Hospital Foundation raises philanthropic support for patients and programs at Rogers Memorial Hospital, and funds state-wide stigma reduction initiatives in cooperation with Rogers InHealth. Donations directly contribute to such lifesaving programs as patient care grants, spiritual care, therapeutic equipment, research, program expansions and awareness activities to help those who suffer from mental illness get the help they need. For more information or to make a donation visit https://rogershospitalfoundation.org/ or call 262-646-1646.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
