First Lady Brings Toys to Children's Hospital

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2009) – The holiday season provides an opportunity each year for Kentuckians to reflect on their many blessings and lend a helping hand to those less fortunate. Especially this year, when the tough economic times have many families struggling daily, it is more important than ever that Kentuckians think about one another.  

Leading by example, the Beshear administration has taken the importance of community service to heart this Christmas season. For the second year in a row, throughout the month of December, the Governor’s Office staff has been encouraged to bring in new toys to donate to the children at the Kentucky Children's Hospital. The staff rose to the challenge, collecting an abundance of toys for 65 of the young patients.

First Lady Jane Beshear had the chance to deliver these gift-wrapped presents to the children today.

“This is what the spirit of the season is really all about—giving back,” said Beshear. “I know how hard illness can be not only on young children but on the families as well. I hope this celebration today and these toys provide a little bit of joy in what can be a difficult time.”

"We are so pleased to have the First Lady here again at our Kentucky Children's Hospital," said Dr. Tim Bricker, professor and chair of pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, and physician-in chief of Kentucky Children's Hospital. "We know how important the health of Kentucky's children is to the government of the Commonwealth and to the Beshear administration. We recognize the commitment of the First Lady and Gov. Beshear to improving the lives of all of Kentucky's children."

About Kentucky Children's Hospital

Kentucky Children's Hospital was established in 1997, but has been taking care of children since 1960. It was renamed in 2005 to more clearly define its role as the hospital for all children of Kentucky. The facility, a hospital within UK Chandler Hospital, houses an inpatient center; a Level III neonatal intensive care unit to take care of the sickest infants; a state-of-the-art pediatric intensive care unit; and a 23-hour admissions/observation center. The building also features children's play and activity rooms, expanded family consultation rooms, a family resource center, waiting rooms, conference rooms, and a pediatric staff library. The new Makenna David Pediatric Emergency Center was established last year. For more information about Kentucky Children's Hospital, call (859) 257-1121.