Service Learning Projects

Service Learning Projects are important "learning to give" volunteer opportunities that allow individuals, community organizations or school service clubs to make a difference.  Scout troops, church organizations, businesses, families and friends can all enjoy the lasting satisfaction of meaningful service.

Not sure where to start? We make it easy.

  • Select one of the projects listed below or suggest your own. 
  • Contact Carolyn Williams, Volunteer Corps Program Manager, 915-521-7229, ext. 80528, cwilliams@elpasochildrens.org to register your project and coordinate your campaign.
  • We will share best practices that have helped to make other campaigns a success.

Teddy Bear or stuffed animal drive

If available, every child at El Paso Children's gets a stuffed animal.  There's nothing like a huggable friend to help establish a caring relationship between a nurse and a child entering the hospital.

Doesn't matter what animal or what size, stuffed animals immediately give a child a new friend to accompany them throughout their hospital stay.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to hygiene and infection purposed, all stuffed animals must be new.

 Book Drive

Every parent knows what it is like to keep a healthy child busy on a holiday or bad weather day...now imagine an extended hospital stay when your child is not always feeling good or having to undergo the stress of tests and procedures.

Children's books for all ages, in both English and Spanish are a powerful tool.  Volunteers can read to them or parents and their child can take a moment to bond.

The child gets to keep their book.  For many it is the first book they have every owned. IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please avoid violent content.

 Toy Drive

Many of El Paso's kids come from financially stressed households where toys are few and far between. 

For many kids, a toy that gets their attention can diminish fear from an impending procedure or create an important bond with their soon to be favorite nurse. 

The nursing staff judiciously uses toys as a distraction during examinations, procedures or a reward following a tough day. 

RECOMMENDATIONS:  Matchbox cars, dolls, stuffed animals, Legos and games. 

 

 

Beanie and Blanket Drive

Everyone knows that when you are tired or don't feel good a nice cozy blanket of your own spells safety and comfort.  Handmade, knitted, sewn, quilted or store bought, our little patients will be curling up in a comforting blanket thanks to you.

Hospital blankets cannot be gifted to our little patients but yours can be.  Particularly for oncology kids knit caps are important self-image support and comfort for a cold head.

Toiletry Drive   

When adults are sick in the hospital we come and go, but when kids are sick, available adults and family members huddle around out of concern.

Some families have been abruptly referred from out of town with little time to grab the basics and no idea how long they will be gone.  Others were passing through town when the worst occurs.  A child gets sick or a traumatic accident happens.  In those moments a clean toothbrush, toothpaste and a comb can mean the world.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Travel sizes are ideal for this purpose.

Crayons and Coloring Books

Sounds simple but we always need coloring books and crayons. Besides being a healthy activity many books also provide challenges and puzzles that are good for young minds.

English and Spanish are needed.

RECOMMENDATION:  The small five packs of crayons and coloring books with few pages are just fine.  We admit thousands of children a year and see over 22,000 patients in the Emergency Department alone.  You would be amazed the help to the clinical staff a few crayons can be during these times.

 

 

Compassionate Care 

Sponsor a family in need right here at home.  Social workers at El Paso Children's Hospital provide a list of needed items for some of El Paso's neediest families who are often unable to provide even the most basic needs for their families due to illness or injury. 

We will provide you with a family description and a list of items and ask you to fulfill the list within a week.  To learn more go to the Compassionate Care campaign on this web site.