Hospital’s child patients get gifts for the holidays

The bureau, in collaboration with the Ayuda Network, gave away hundreds of gifts as part of the first ever “Gifts for Gifts” distribution to child patients of CHC.

Aside from those who personally came to the hospital, house visits were also made by MCHB to deliver gifts.

“The MCHB is constantly trying to find more ways to bring cheer and happiness to families during this time of the year,” said Margaret Aldan, director of Public Health Services. “Thank you very much to our partners for the collaborative work and success of our programs. Looking at not only of the faces of the children, but also, the parents are really very appreciative.”

A group from the Department of Public Safety was also there to serenade everyone with a medley of favorite Christmas carols, including a mix of local Christmas songs, providing spontaneous entertainment at the clinic’s waiting area. One of the nurses at the FCC said, “Wow, this is really uplifting not only to our clients but to us healthcare providers as well. You should do this more often.”

Ann Marie Satur, the coordinator for children with special healthcare needs, said they gave away more than just toys.

“It’s a variety of toys to target each developmental area. It’s not just a toy to be a toy; it’s a toy that has an educational purpose,” Satur said.

Among the recipients was a 5-year-old named BJ who got toy construction tools. BJ has a heart condition, according to his mom. Nevertheless, he was extremely excited about his new toy set.

“We wanted to target this year especially because of Typhoon Soudelor. We want to make sure that our families are taken cared of after Soudelor. A lot of our families lost everything that they have so we want to do a little bit of something that will go a long way for them,” Satur said.

Bureau administrator TaAnn Kabua said it feels great to be able to bring cheer to the kids, even though their bureau will no longer have their own Christmas party.

“I asked the staff what do you guys want to do for Christmas this year? They said we should do something different. We should give presents to those that are needy,” Kabua said.

She said they will try their best to do this every year for the average number of 400 families that they serve.

The gifts were purchased through donations made by sponsors Best Sunshine International, Ltd. Mariana Resort and Spa, Saipan Shipping, and Joeten Superstore.

Best Sunshine donated $4,000 toward the purchase of gifts, wrapping, and distribution. After receiving donations from their partners, MCHB staff purchased gifts for over 200 inpatient and outpatient children, ranging from newborn up to 13 years old.

Best Sunshine chief services officer Tao Xing and Corporate Social Responsibility director Geri Dela Cruz participated in handing out gifts in the pediatric ward and children’s clinic.

“It’s very moving to be able to bring gifts to these children and see the smiles on their faces as well as their parents’ faces,” said Dela Cruz.

“Having the event today is perfect because Mondays are normally the clinic’s busiest days. It’s a blessing for the kids just seeing their faces,” said Leslie Camacho, director of nursing. “During the holidays, some kids don’t have very much so for them to receive a gift is very heartwarming. Again, it’s a blessing to have you guys come out and it’s very heartwarming to see, especially from my end.”