WRK "Showers" The VCU Children's Medical Center

by Judy Hackler

On November 4, 2009, Kiwanians representing five (5) different Kiwanis Clubs met at the VCU Children's Medical Center for a shower sponsored by the West Richmond Kiwanis.

During the summer, the West Richmond Kiwanis Club set up a tour of the Kiwanis Family Care Center and found they were in need of supplies to restock the Kiwanis Family Care Center as well as entertainment and educational items to give to the children who were receiving care at the hospital. West Richmond members, Betty Allen, suggested that we have a "shower" for the Medical Center, and Tracie Grady served as the facilitator of making the shower a reality.

The West Richmond Club, along with help from Kiwanians from four other clubs (Richmond, North Central Richmond, Tuckahoe, and Ashland), is proud of how the shower was a grand success with numerous games, toys, crafts, books, stuffed animals, and more being donated!! Monetary donations were also made to assist in the purchase of more specialized items, such as a Little Tykes wagon for aiding in the transport of children around the hospital.

This event was so successful, that several Kiwanians are planning to make it an annual event to take place around October or November of each year. These months allow donors to take advantage of back to school specials while still getting the items to the Medical Center well before the holiday rush. If you are interested in participating, please contact Tracie Grady at traciegrady@aim.com or 804-305-0322.

(Pictured from L to R: Jody Korman, Annie Williams, Jennifer O'Rourke, Bob King, John Morris, Bonnie King, Tom Wagstaff, Heather Kinney, Judy Hackler, Tracie Grady, Joe Stankus, Phyllis Stump, Jess Stankus, Susy Meyer, Betty Allen, Marion Allen)