Another way we support local hospitals is with the gift of time. Here are just a few examples of how Kohl’s Associates nationwide embrace our hospital partnerships:
Cleveland, OH
When Addie Wisniewski was born, she had broken legs and her skull was severely fractured. She was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease. At eight weeks old, she was brought to Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital and put on a study involving an experimental drug to strengthen her bones. She receives the drug through an IV every 12 weeks. Addie has been on the drug for three years and her bone density has increased by 30%.
She has water therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy every week to strengthen her bones and muscles.
Today, because of the services of Rainbow Babies & Children’s hospital in Cleveland, Addie can go to pre-school. She has a nurse who goes with her so she does not hurt herself when playing with the other children. Addie's parents hope that this experimental drug will allow Addie to someday walk independently.
To help raise funds for children just like Addie, on March 17, stores in district 72 participated in the Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital St. Patrick’s Day radiothon hosted at the House of Blues in downtown Cleveland. During the event, dressed in their St. Patrick’s day finest, fourteen Kohl’s Associates assisted two prominent radio personalities to sell promotional T-shirts to raise money. In six hours, the Kohl’s team was able to raise $1,285 on behalf of the hospital. In addition to the dollars the Associates helped earn by selling T-shirts, Kohl’s awarded a $1,000 grant to children’s on behalf of our volunteers’ time and talent.
Indianapolis, IN
Helping to make miracles happen — that’s what Associates from district four were determined to do when they agreed to participate in Riley Children’s Foundation Radiothon. The radiothon, which was sponsored by Kohl’s, helps to raise much-needed funds for Riley Children’s Hospital, who also benefits from the Kohl’s Cares for Kids® Children’s Hospital Program.
Over the three-day event, which ran from June 2 until June 4, Kohl’s Associates were on site at the hospital to answer calls and take pledges on behalf of the hospital. Throughout the radio program, 50 Riley children and families shared their extraordinary stories about personal experiences with Riley Children’s Hospital. Each story touched our Associates and the station’s
listeners in a big way. Eight Kohl’s stores in Indianapolis, Geist, Anderson, Plainfield, Columbus, Noblesville, and Lawrence created teams to participate in the event. Our 59 Associates contributed an amazing 192 hours over the three-day stretch which all contributed to the success of the event. On behalf of the district four Associates, Kohl’s donated a $4,000 grant.
Overall, the event raised $371,138 in pledges from community members. Keven O’Keefe of Riley Children’s Foundation said it best, “No Indiana child is ever turned away from Riley because of a family’s financial situation. We couldn’t make that claim if it wasn’t for the support of the Indiana community.” The incredible generosity shown by the community impacts children in a big way, and Kohl’s stores in this community definitely showed their support for
local children and families affected by children’s hospitals.
Philadelphia, PA
Kohl’s Associates buddy up to support Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in a very special way.
On October 2, the Bensalem store Associates participated in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Buddy Walk. The Buddy Walk is a major fundraiser for Trisomy 21 Program at the children’s hospital. Trisomy 21 is the most frequently occurring chromosomal abnormality,
found once every 800 to 1,000 live births and is more commonly referred to as Down syndrome. More than 350,000 people in the United States have the disorder and along with the diagnosis comes a number of challenges for patients and families. Children with Down syndrome are at higher risk for congenital heart disease, hearing loss, speech, sleep disorders, feeding disorders and developmental disabilities and many more. The program at CHOP provides evaluation of these children both mentally and physically so they may receive the best care possible.
Five Kohl’s Associates participated in the walk to help support this program, which is used by children and families affected by Downs syndrome. These Associates collectively contributed 15 hours to the event and had a wonderful time doing so. During the event, there were visits by many, however none was more memorable than that of Philly’s own Phanatic. Store manger Chip Stephenson from the Kirkwood store was able to personally meet this oversized lovable green creature after presenting Kohl’s donation check to the Children’s Hospital. Through the Kohl’s A-Team program, the hospital received a $500 grant from Kohl’s on behalf of our Associate volunteers.
