Toys donated to SMH pediatric patients

Dozens of donated toys were bestowed recently upon the patients of Slidell Memorial Hospital’s Women & Children’s Services program from Savannah Smiles, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

The group was founded by family and friends of Savannah Kaye Scharfenstein, who died tragically at age 9 in a 2006 accident during a local Christmas parade. Its primary mission is to reach out to other families who experience the untimely death of their children and financially support families whose children are battling diseases or who have been badly injured due to an accident.

The toys will be provided to children in the hospital’s Pediatrics and Neonatal Intensive Care units throughout the holidays.

“We are so thankful that we can share in this endeavor to give back to children in our community in remembrance of little Savannah,” said Michelle Partridge, clinical director of Women & Children’s Services at Slidell Memorial. “It’s always special at this time of the year to put a smile on the faces of children who aren’t able to be home with their families.”

Savannah Smiles donated boxes of toys for children who are admitted or treated during the holidays, honoring a request of Savannah ’s that she made during her last Christmas alive. For more information about Savannah Smiles, go online to www.savannah-smiles.org.