Autumn 2012 - Shodair Children's Hospital

Having a Ball: Soccer Classic athletes
host free skills clinic for area youth
The skies were overcast, but there were more than enough smiles to
brighten Nelson Stadium throughout the free pre-game youth soccer
clinic held July 27. Nearly 200 Helena area youth ages 3 through 12
gathered the day before the Shodair Soccer Classic to learn new skills
from the all-star athletes.
Despite the cool weather, the kids moved from station to station
across the field, learning a new skill at each stop. It was hard to tell who was
having more fun: the athletes or the kids. “It was really cool just to share our
love of soccer with all of these kids,” said Helena High grad Mykaylee Verworn
(Women's Team West). “It's great to be able to give back.”
SAVE THE DATE: Be sure
to join us on July 27, 2013
for our next Shodair
Soccer Classic at Nelson
Stadium in Helena!
Sharing the Warmth: Quilts for Kids
For a child admitted to one of
Shodair's psychiatric treatment units, little things
can mean a lot. And things that bring warmth and
comfort can be especially important. Fortunately
for our children, generous individuals and groups
across Montana have taken it upon themselves
to provide those two elements
in the form of hand-made
blankets and quilts.
Each year, the hospital receives
bundles of warm, colorful blankets
and quilts from kind-hearted
crafters and donors. The fruits of
their artistry and generosity go to
patients admitted to Shodair's
acute and residential treatment
units. The cozy coverings do more
than just adorn patients' beds:
They are symbols of warmth and caring
that are often carried to activities on the units.
The generous people who make these quilts and
blankets do so for a number of reasons, but the
number one motivator is to make a child feel
good. Shodair would like to thank these caring
people who contributed time, effort, and materials
for blankets and quilts for our kids in 2012.
If you'd like to help, cozy blankets and quilts
are needed year-round at Shodair. We project
a need for 800 blankets/quilts in 2013.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
• Many of our patients have sensory issues.
Quilts or blankets made of soft
material, especially fleece, are
preferred. No-sew tied fringe
blankets are particularly popular
with our children. Hospital policy
does not allow us to accept knit or
crocheted items, such as afghans.
• Shodair primarily serves children
ages 4 - 17. The quilts should be
twin bed sized. We generally
tend to need more “boy” colors
or patterns than those for girls.
Popular themes are peace signs,
bright colors, tie-dye, themes with a Native
American flair, sports teams, etc.
For more information, contact our Foundation
Office at (406) 444-7548.
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