Below are projects that we're involved with in addition to our regular programs.
Car seat distribution program
KPTI provides the pediatric emergency department at the Tufts Medical Center with car safety seats for distribution to families who do not have one, or whose car seat was damaged in a trauma. The car seats are available at a greatly reduced cost, or free to those patients whose families cannot afford to purchase a car seat for their child. This program was initiated by the New England District of Circle K.
Welcome tote bags for families of trauma patients
When a child comes to the trauma center, family members often must drop everything and rush to the hospital where they may find themselves unprepared for an overnight (or longer) stay. Welcome bags containing items such as toothbrush and toothpaste, snacks, parking and restaurant vouchers and information about local services help families during the initial period of their child's treatment. Members of the Kiwanis Club of Sheffield, MA make and donate these beautiful gifts.
Ace's Place Playroom
The playroom at the Tufts Medical Center has recently been renovated through the generosity of the Ace Bailey Children's Foundation. KPTI accepts gifts of toys, hospital dolls, blankets, CDs and DVDs for the children to use in the playroom. For those not well enough to go to Ace's Place, Child Life specialists bring toys and diversions to the patient's bedside. For a list of items we can use visit our Wish List.
Kiwanis Family Waiting Room
Families spend many hours here while their children are in surgery. New England Circle K, KPTI, and the Kiwanis Foundation of New England have updated seating, artwork, painting and other aspects of the waiting area. The focal point remains the large Circle K quilt framed and hanging in the main room.
Tufts Medical Center artwork
Many of the hallways and public spaces at the Tufts Medical Center are being brightened. Efforts are coordinated through the Art for Health committee.
Circle K members have donated painted tiles, 2 large quilts and recently, together with the members of the Milo and Brownville, ME Kiwanis Club, and young hospital patients, 16 small quilts that now hang in waiting rooms and hallways in Tufts Medical Center. These brightly colored inspirational artworks are a wonderful addition to the hospital.
One of 16 quilts made by Tufts Medical Center patients, Circle K and the Milo and Brownville, ME Kwanis Club
Other donations include a unique needlework by the San Blas Indians of Peru from Kiwanian Corinne Francis located in the Kiwanis Family Waiting Room. Near the waiting room is a quilt made by the special needs children of the Sunshine School in Bequia, West Indies, where Kiwanians Bill and Jeanne Livingston spent 6 months of every year helping the people of the islands with medical donations and training for young people. Sadly, Jeanne is no longer with us, but Bill continues traveling to the islands each winter with supplies.
Blankets for patients
It's nice to know someone is thinking of you when you're not feeling well. Circle K members from around New England make and donate soft fleece blankets for our patients. These blankets are warm and soft and make such a difference to young children who are frequently under stress from their injury or illness and the treatments they must undergo. We often see young patients hugging their blankets as they head home!
