On April 10 representatives from Dunkin’ Donuts and the Joy in Childhood Foundation gathered at Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ for a special check presentation celebration awarding Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation $10,000 to support Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Activity Connection community recreation programs.
The Joy in Childhood Foundation seeks to help kids experience the joys of childhood through memorable educational experiences and camps. The funds received by Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation will be used to support the recreational programs geared to children with special health care needs, their siblings and parents.
To celebrate the grant, patients and their families, therapists and administrators enjoyed donuts, coffee, games and toys generously donated by Dunkin’ Donuts franchisee, Miten Patel. “We are so excited to be part of this special day at Children’s Specialized Hospital. This event is for the community, to support the Joy in Childhood Foundation’s important mission to bring simple joys of childhood to sick and hungry kids. There is nothing more satisfying to me than to see a smile on a child’s face,” said Patel.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Joy in Childhood Foundation in bringing fun and rewarding camp opportunities to children with special health care needs,” Said Philip Salerno, lll, president and chief development officer, Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation.
The Activity Connection community recreation program at Children’s Specialized Hospital is a rapidly growing program, with a 46% increase in registration in 2017. Offering a variety of programs including aquatics and martial arts, the program also added yoga and teen social programs to meet the needs of over 525 children and adolescents last year. The programs provide opportunities to make new friends, participate in physical activities and enjoy new experiences.
Children’s Specialized Hospital, a nonprofit organization, is leading the way into a brighter future for children and adolescents facing special health challenges – from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health. Children’s Specialized Hospital Foundation supports the programs and services of the hospital and all donations go directly to helping us pioneer new specialized care and serve more children in need. To help, or for more information: visit www.childrens-specialized.org; find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/childrensspecialized, or follow us on Twitter @ChildrensSpecNJ.
About the Joy in Childhood Foundation:
The Joy in Childhood Foundation provides the simple joys of childhood to sick and hungry kids. The Foundation is committed to funding joyful environments, joyful experiences and joyful expressions to ensure that children whose lives are compromised by hunger or sickness have the support and essential services they need to find joy in their daily lives. Since launching in 2006, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more the $16 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country.