Donation to Hospital Helps Children Embrace Fun Not Fear

Berkeley College Logo
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2020
Contact: Ilene Greenfield
Director of Media Relations
973-200-1100
igl@BerkeleyCollege.edu
 

BERKELEY COLLEGE DONATION OF PLAY-DOH
HELPS YOUNG PATIENTS AT VALLEY HOSPITAL
EMBRACE FUN, NOT FEAR

Berkeley Play Doh

Berkeley College faculty and staff recently donated nearly 300 cans of Play Doh, as well as crafting tools and accessories, to young patients in the Pediatric Unit of Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ. According to the Hospital, the modeling dough, which is often used for arts and crafts, can provide a therapeutic distraction for children facing various conditions and illnesses. 

“We are very grateful for the donation of Play-Doh from Berkeley College to the Valley Hospital Pediatric Department,” said Lori Check, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Clinical Shift Supervisor, Valley Hospital Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “Squishing, rolling, sculpting and molding  appeals to children of multiple ages. A hospital setting typically produces anxiety in children, and this is a means of working through some of their fears and anxieties.” 

The Pediatric Department at the Valley Hospital treats children facing neurological, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, among other conditions. 

The collection was spearheaded by the staff of Berkeley College Online®, which supports the College’s distance learning efforts from offices in Paramus, NJ. 

“No one wants their child to be in the hospital, let alone during the holidays, so to be able to do something to give a sense of normalcy to these families was meaningful to us,” said Chrissy Andracik, Director, Student Development and Campus Life, Berkeley College Online. “Berkeley College culture is very focused on giving back, and as a part of the Bergen County community, we were grateful to have the opportunity to spread some cheer in our own backyard.” 

The donation was made through the Berkeley Cares initiative, which throughout the year encourages students, alumni, faculty and staff to continue the College’s tradition of serving worthy causes in the community. 

Photo Caption: Berkeley College delivered nearly 300 cans of Play Doh, as well as crafting tools and accessories, to the Pediatric Unit of Valley Hospital in Paramus, NJ. According to the Hospital, the modeling dough, which is often used for arts and crafts, can provide a therapeutic distraction for children facing a multitude of conditions and illnesses. 

About Berkeley College 

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College has campuses in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, as well as in Midtown Manhattan and White Plains, NY, with more than 5,700 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for six consecutive years. The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers.

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