CHS students donate memory boxes

On May 15th, students from Clarksville High School visited University of Iowa Health Care to donate handmade wooden boxes, part of an annual class project. These wooden boxes are utilized by the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital Child Life team and given to pediatric patient families to store memorabilia of their child’s medical journey.
     While visiting UI Health Care, students also participated in interactive educational sessions with UI Health Care faculty, staff, and students, with the intent to pique interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  These students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on health care experiences that provided them with a better understanding of career opportunities at an academic medical center.
     “Four years ago Mr. Ralph Longus, Industrial Technology Instructor, contacted me and said that as he was scooping snow, he was trying to come up with an idea for his class to design and build. He wanted a project for them that would help someone, and would have meaning. He said he thought of the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital, so called me in Concierge Services- as we coordinate In-Kind Donations at UIHC. I contacted our Child Life Director, who spoke to her team and they gave the idea of the ‘memory boxes,’” said Sheri Austin of University of Iowa Health Care. “From there, the plans, as well as prototypes of the boxes, were sent to us from Mr. Longus’ students for our Child Life Team to offer their feedback. The Clarksville students took it from there. 
     “Mr. Longus and his students have delivered beautiful boxes to the hospital each year since. Every class creates their own design for the boxes to be used in a very special way. When a pediatric patient passes away, a hand mold is made for the child’s family.  Our Child Life Specialist puts the delicate mold in the box along with other special items. This box is very important for legacy building and memory making for families to keep.”
 
Read more in the May 23 edition of the STAR.
 
Subscribe by calling 1-800-558-1244 ext 122 or email Deb at circulation@midamericapub.com