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In This Issue:
The United Way/Tobin School Fund Campaign is now entering its fourth week. By now, all employees should have received a campaign packet in the mail. This packet contains important information outlining how to make a donation. While the pamphlets and letters inside give detailed descriptions of the campaign, many employees may be seeking more information on where their dollars go and whom they directly impact. In an effort to bring the campaign to life, the following excerpts try to tell this story. A Tobin School administrator, teacher and student talk about they ways in which BWH support has influenced their lives.
The Tobin School student support coordinator, like all Americans, will never forget September 11. Below she recalls the vital role the BWH Parenting Partners played that day:“Tobin School endured the crisis with the help of our Parenting Partners. Throughout the morning we received alert messages on e-mail from Boston Public School’s central office. These emails detailed procedures to follow and emergency information. Around mid-morning, parents started arriving to pick up their children. The Parenting Partners were instrumental in ensuring a smooth sign-out process. Sonia Beniquez, Parenting Partner, served as an on-the-spot translator, and efficiently handled the sign-out process. Luz Ramirez, Parenting Partner, stationed herself at the door to meet and greet parents as they arrived. She directed the stream of worried moms and dads to the lobby waiting area. These women played important roles. All told, 161 students left early with their parents on September 11, about one-third of the school. The Parenting Partners played a crucial part at the Tobin on that very difficult day."
A third grade teacher describes the impact of a Brigham Book Buddy who visits her classroom: “My class adores their Book Buddy. The students tell me ‘I really like the way she reads the story. She can make different voices for all the characters.’ The children remember and relate to their Brigham Book Buddy as someone quite special. They are making a powerful connection between imagination, thinking and the joy of reading."
An eleven year old boy from the Tobin School, who attended Camp Mission Pride, shares his summer adventures: “I loved summer camp. Every Thursday we got to go on a field trip. We went to Water Country, Canobie Lake and the beach. The best part of camp is that you get to do great things, like sports. The other best part about camp is that you have a lot of friends and you are never alone. You always have someone to play with. My summer would have been boring without camp. I would not have gone anywhere. I would have nowhere to go. Camp is fun because you meet new friends. It is like another school, but better.”
Parenting Partners, Brigham Book Buddies and Camp Mission Pride are programs supported by BWH staff and the generous donations collected during the annual United Way/Tobin School Fund Campaign. All employees are encouraged to contribute to the campaign and ensure that these valuable programs continue to serve the members of the greater hospital community. Donations, which can be made through a one-time contribution or payroll deduction, will continue to be accepted until November 2. Pledges can be turned into one of several hospital drop-off boxes, interoffice mail or made online. For more information, contact Marlene Freeley, at ext. 2-8501