Mario Lemieux Foundation social media drive fills wish lists for hospitalized kids
These wishes came true quickly.
The Mario Lemieux Foundation’s Make Room For Kids campaign posted a list of items needed for sick children. The tweet went out on Feb. 21. The list was filled within two days.
“It is unbelievable,” said Nancy Angus, executive director of the Mario Lemieux Foundation. “It’s a true testament to Pittsburgh, which is such a wonderful, giving community. Grateful doesn’t cover it. It’s surreal.”
Ummm. My bad. You all actually cleared the Make Room for Kids wish list in TWO days. I have no words. I have a gif. pic.twitter.com/zbPh0jv90o
— Virginia Montanez (@JanePitt) February 24, 2019
Make Room For Kids began as a social media drive by local blogger Virginia Montanez aimed to bring gaming to sick children in medical facilities.
Donated money is used to provide Xbox consoles, kiosks, controllers and games. Some donors send the gifts requested instead of money.
It’s become an official extension of the Mario Lemieux Foundation’s Austin’s Playrooms, a program where the foundation establishes playrooms for Angus said the power of social media and Montanez’s followers as well as the commitment from Microsoft, which provides matching gifts for the consoles.
Luke Sossi, regional director Microsoft in Pittsburgh, said when the project started 10 years ago, he and some colleagues purchased Xboxes and donated them. They have since given over 350 Xboxes, which are in addition to all the games and movies donated. He says these donations also help the siblings of the children in the hospital, as well as their parents, because everyone can play. It also gives them a sense of normalcy because many of them have an Xbox at home.
“When you see the faces of those kids when you hand them a controller for them to play it’s something you can’t forget,” Sossi said. “Some of these kids have been in the hospital for months so to give them a little bit of happiness, that’s an amazing moment. It’s so rewarding. It also puts life in perspective.”
When the postman arrived (Monday) it was like he had a big Santa bag full of gifts, Angus said.
“We believe these games and movies really help these children,” she said
The gifts can be a distraction from pain or promote healing, she said.
This is only the first delivery! Thank you! https://t.co/VbRLs3aSoJ
— Mario Lemieux (@MarioLemieuxFdn) February 25, 2019
Montanez this year realized 800 games and movies were needed and so she sought help via social media. She told followers the hospitalized children of Pittsburgh needed Xbox games and movies. She and included a link to Amazon where they could be purchased. Later, she shared photos of bags of games and movies and thanked everyone for their generosity.
The hospitalized children of Pittsburgh need you to buy Xbox games and movies from the @MarioLemieuxFdn Make Room for Kids Amazon Wish List. There are 800 titles for 16 units from cancer to transplant to trauma.
Read: https://t.co/CwRIkBnMp2
Shop: https://t.co/G50l2UKduz
Hug: ? pic.twitter.com/xSRfxkRgMb— Virginia Montanez (@JanePitt) February 21, 2019
This year, the games and equipment will go to the Medical Surgery Unit at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Angus said. The Adolescent Medicine Unit is receiving new Xbox Ones to replace their old 360s.
Make Room For Kids will be featured on the pregame for the Penguins’ March 16 game against the St. Louis Blues at PPG Paints Arena in a production by AT&T SportsNet.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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