Toy delivery at Marshfield Children's Hospital (WAOW)
MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – It’s Christmas time at the Marshfield Children’s Hospital, and Santa Clause himself stopped by with a ton of presents.
Marshfield Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Program, which aims to normalize the hospital environment and provide patients with any kind of support they need, has gotten a very big boost for the last 10 years from Santa Greg Cemke and his Christmas in July charity.
They’ve helped make things a little bit easier for kids who are in the hospital, and their families.
“I’ve had many many parents say thank you.” Cemke recounts. “I’ve had many many parents drop a few tears here on my shoulder.”
The non profit inspired by Greg’s near death experience has donated tens of thousands of toys, games and gifts. Whether it’s an overnight visit or an extended stay, they provide joy and some peace of mind.
“For parents and grandparents, their child is in the hospital. They don’t have time maybe to buy gifts for maybe the other two kids or three kids. Or the child themselves. Their focus, their whole thing is that child that’s in the hospital. That’s it.”
The charity also raises money, and a lot of it.
“A couple of years ago he raised money for a facility dog. So this year we just started implementing Dolly here.” Explained Certified Child Life Specialist McKenzie Tischauser. “She has been a wonderful thing for patients and their families and we are really excited to have her. But I mean, that was a $60,000 plus project that he was like you know what, I see a need for it, I’m going to raise it.”
Thanks to so many very generous people from around the state and country, well over 1000 toys were dropped off by Santa’s sleigh.
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