MINSTER — The Red Wagon Campaign, benefiting the patients at Dayton Children’s Hospital will be featured at Minster Schools this Christmas Season.
Through the generosity of local businesses and donors, 10 Red Wagons have been given to the Youth Leadership Association (YLA) of Minster High School to be filled by the students, faculty and community with toys and gifts for the patients at Dayton Children’s Hospital.
In 2013, high school freshman Rosie Westerbeck founded The Red Wagon Campaign to benefit the patients at Dayton Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization that serves to raise funds, to purchase equipment, and educate the public on childhood illnesses. In 2013, four wagons filled with gifts were donated to the Dayton Children’s Hospital.
Now as a senior, Chairman Rosie Westerbeck, in conjunction with the Minster Youth Leadership Association (YLA) and fellow Chairmen Ava Goebel and Colleen Jutte, have brought the Red Wagon Campaign to the Minster Community.
“The wagons are used as a means of transportation, similar to a wheelchair, for the patients,” Westerbeck said. “The hospital is in constant need for more wagons, as the number of patients increase and the wagons are being used constantly.”
With the help of Westy’s Signature Flooring, Precision Strip, Nidec, Buschur Electric, 4Most Innovations, The Looking Glass Salon and Spa, and a couple of anonymous donors, 10 Red Wagons have been donated. Now the challenge is on to fill each wagon before the holidays.
The campaign will run from Dec. 6 to Dec. 22. Wagons will be marked with notable emblems that signify who donated the wagons in addition to a marker of the community. The ensemble of items and wagons will be donated in two waves: the first wave on Dec. 22
“For Christmas,” said Rosie with a smile, “and another in mid-January, this is when the hospital experiences sort of a decrease in giving, but the patient numbers actually increase. If we can extend our giving into January, we can help a few more children smile while being in the hospital!”
To get involved, purchase a toy or activity for the kids, then drop those items off at one of the Red Wagon locations.
Wagons are located at Minster Jr./Sr. High School, Minster Elementary School, The Looking Glass Salon, and Westy’s Signature Flooring.
“Dayton Children’s Hospital serves many of our local children. It’s our job to show the kids that we care for them, even at the busiest time of the year: Christmas,” said Westerbeck. “In order to have a successful campaign, we must come together as a community. I challenge all to get involved in some way, because even the smallest gifts can bring the biggest smiles.”
Most toys and activities are acceptable. Please avoid small pieces and no food. All items must be new. For more information and/or a list of the hospital’s “wish-list”, visit one of the locations where a red wagon resides.
