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By Ramona Frances - The Madera Tribune

Young patients are enjoying an unexpected treat during their visits to Children's Hospital Central California in Madera County.

Approximately $60,000 worth of new toys were shipped to the hospital. The toys were a gift from a nonprofit organization based in Florida, called the Kids Wish Network.

"This is the first time we have received toys from the Kids Wish Network," said Micheline Golden, spokeswoman for the hospital. "Donations like this are really important to us."

Golden said it is important that the hospital receive toys year-round for the children in order to make their experience at the hospital enjoyable.

"People usually think to give toys only around Christmas," Golden said. "We will use some of them in the childlife playroom."

The gifts not only benefit kids who are coming in for a brief visit, but also the children who may be spending longer periods of time in the hospital due to more complicated injuries or illnesses.

"We will store a lot of them so that when kids come here for special events, we can give them something," Golden said. "We have to have new toys because this is a hospital setting."

According to a recent press release, Children's Hospital Central California is the 13th largest freestanding children's hospital in the country and is the only one located in a rural area. The hospital serves children from an area of over 45,000 square miles. It is one of the largest service areas of any children's hospital in the nation and has more than 500 doctors practicing in over 40 pediatric subspecialties with clinics and services throughout the state.

Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories and improving the quality of life for children.

If you know a child between the ages of 3 and 18 who may be in need of wish granting services, call (888) 918-9004.

The hospital welcomes donations of new toys year-round in order to meet the children's needs. Golden recommends calling the Children's Hospital to find out specific criteria for donating. For more information, call 353-5882.

Ramona Frances Ramona Frances is a staff columnist, writer and photographer for the Madera Tribune. You may contact Ramona at 674.8134 ext. 222 or by e-mail ramona (at) maderatribune.net The Madera Tribune online subscription To subscribe or log on, CLICK HERE. For more information first, CLICK HERE.