Children attending the recent community Vacation Bible School have made it possible for children who are patients at the new Akron Children's Hospital of the Mahoning Valley to have lots more to do than just watch television and wait for procedures to be done.
Sponsored by the six Hubbard city churches and held this summer at Grace Lutheran Church, the VBS undertook the challenge issued by Grace Lutheran's Pastor Jim Zingale to collect toys, videos, books, and other things that could help ill children pass the time and speed their healing. Zingale is a part-time volunteer chaplain at the children's hospital and had become aware of the need.
Approximately 120 students and more than 50 volunteers, made up of both adults and teens, met the challenge and went beyond anyone's wildest expectations. More than 800 items were collected, including more than 200 VHS tapes, more than 400 books, 68 cans of play dough, games, puzzles, dolls, infants' toys, a wooden train set, Lego and larger building blocks, and more. Fourteen blankets were collected to help create a more homelike atmosphere for the little ones who are not allowed to bring their own blankets from home. Additional toys and other items continue to come in.
Article Photos
Special to the Hubbard Community News
Several of the Vacation Bible School children celebrate the growing pile of toys, videos, books, games and blankets destined for the local children’s hospital.
The outpouring of donations were not confined to local children, however. Hubbard children attending VBS also raised $300 in offerings to support the work at the Navajo Lutheran Mission School in Rock Point, Ariz. where Navajo children go to learn the three R's in a religious setting, but also are given the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Navajo culture.
Sponsoring churches include Central Christian Church, First Baptist Church, First Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, Grace Lutheran Church, and St. Patrick's Church of Hubbard.