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The enCourage Kids Foundation Launches National Toy Distribution Campaign at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue

  The enCourage Kids Foundation (EKF) has kicked off their national Toy Distribution campaign in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, one of their long-time partner hospitals, located in Manhattan.   A Delightful Experience for Pediatric Patients Jean Butler, President & CEO of EKF, led the initiative alongside Ambassadors Ryan Field, ABC 7 Sports Anchor, and Tony Richardson, Former NFL Fullback and Northeast Coordinator of NFL Legends Community. The trio, along with the dedicated staff at Bellevue, brought joy to the faces of pediatric patients, allowing them to select from a wide array of toys. From beloved Barbie and Disney Princess Dolls and playsets to thrilling Hot Wheels, Star Wars Starships, Ninja Turtle and Masters of the Universe Action Figures, Little Tykes Big Adventures playsets, Dungeons & Dragons, and more. Additionally, the patients had the opportunity to choose branded clothing generously donated by Nickelodeon.   Gratitude for Donors and Partners Jean Butler, President & CEO of EKF, said, "We are grateful to Toys, Tots, Pets and More (TTPM) and Nickelodeon for their wonderful donations to our event." "The children's excitement was palpable! It is deeply satisfying to know that our programs provide such comfort and joy to hospitalized children and their families."   William Hicks, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, expressed his appreciation, stating, "Thank you to EKF, Ryan Field, and Tony Richardson for bringing this wonderful toy distribution to the children of our hospital. Children often need extra support as they face health challenges. We are happy to have partners like EKF to let our youngest patients and their families know that they are not alone."   Longstanding Partnership and Support Gloria Mattera, M.Ed., CCLS, Director of the Department of Child Life & Developmental Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with EKF. She stated, "We are excited that Ryan Field and Tony Richardson have joined with EKF to bring smiles to our pediatric patients through this wonderful toy distribution. We are grateful for our long partnership with EKF, which has provided funding for music therapy and supported our clown, teddy bears, comfort kits, and other items that assist Child Life in the work we do with pediatric patients and families."   Bob Glaser, EVP/GM of TTPM, emphasized their pride in partnering with EKF, stating, "TTPM is proud to collaborate with EKF by providing toys that will brighten the summer for hospitalized children and offer them opportunities to play and simply be kids."  

Making Hospitals a Better Place for Children

Founded in 1985, the enCourage Kids Foundation is dedicated to humanizing healthcare for children and their families. By funding impactful pediatric programs and supporting the Child Life Community, EKF serves nearly one million children annually. Their programs provide relief from the challenges of treatments, hospital stays, and doctor appointments while ensuring that pediatric facilities meet the unique needs of their patients. EKF envisions a world where every child, regardless of the difficulty of their medical journey, experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing.  

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue: America's Oldest Public Hospital

NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, established in 1736, holds the distinction of being America's oldest public hospital. Affiliated with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, this 844-bed hospital serves as a major referral center for highly complex cases. With a staff of 6,000 employees, including a skilled interdisciplinary clinical team, Bellevue is a Level 1 Trauma Center. The hospital receives approximately 103,000 emergency room visits, over 520,000 outpatient visits, and nearly 200,000 visits to its COVID-19 testing and vaccine centers annually. The hospital's clinical centers of excellence include Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care, Cardiovascular Services, Bariatric Surgery, Designated Regional Perinatal Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Children's Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, and Cancer Services.   Sources: THX News & enCourage Kids Foundation. Read the full article