Blog #6

 After spending the past 3 weeks here, the thing that has stood out the most during the sessions is the power toys and activities have on the kids. Unlike sports rehab or adult therapy services, these kids have a different view of their sessions and view them as either play time or as a punishment. You can not tell the kids to go and do exercises like you can with adults, so the sessions always require toys and playing. The therapists do a very good job at including therapy in whatever toy or activities the kids want to do. The toys and activities range from puzzles, art activities, board games, cars, sports equipment, dolls, etc. Last week, one of the therapists brought in toys that her kids had grown out of, and immediately they became a fan favorite among all of the kids. These kids spend so much time at the clinic, so they get used to a lot of the toys and activities, and whenever there is something new, it is very exciting! I think Hawken could help give back to Galvin Therapy Center very easily and effectively. While the clinic does a very good job of providing a wide variety of activities and toys, the therapists also purchase items with their own money for the clinic and their patients. Giving back to this center does not mean we need to go out and buy brand new toys, it can be as simple as giving out-grown toys and activities. I know in my house we go through our toys and games around the holidays and give away the ones we no longer want or use. It would be very beneficial to give those to Galvin! At Hawken, many of us are very fortunate to have had lots of resources growing up, but as we get older, we grow out of them. Similar to other drives we have, I think holding a toy drive could be a good and easy way to give back. You don't need to spend money on new items, and it is easy to see the impact those toys make on the therapy and the kids. This center sees infants all the way to middle school, so there is not a strict age range. I have been super impressed by the variety Galvin has, but similar to any place, the more the better, and everyone loves a change!


Comments

  1. Rachel MullenDecember 16, 2023 at 11:28 AM

    Hayley, what types of toys or games could we donate? I love your idea! -Mrs. Mullen

    ReplyDelete

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