Holiday Gifts Donations Sought for Solnit Children's Center

We at the Albert J. Solnit Children's Center South Campus, formerly known as Riverview Hospital for Children and Youth, hope this letter finds you well.  For many of us, the winter holiday season means a time of joy and happy memories with family and friends. 

It is the time of year when we open our hearts and give to others who are less fortunate. 

At the Solnit Children's Center, we remain focused on caring for Connecticut's children throughout the year and are especially sensitive to the winter holiday season. Brightening days and building hopeful futures for children in our care remains our paramount focus. 

Many of Connecticut's children in our care do not have family to go home to during the holiday season to celebrate holiday traditions and create cherished memories. So it is with great hope, in the face of current economic challenges, that we are reaching out to you, hoping you may find a way to support and contribute to the children here at Albert .J Solnit Childrens Center South Campus during this upcoming 2012 Winter Holiday Season.

The Solnit Children's Center is the only publically operated psychiatric hospital for children in the state managed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, and we have served 369 children in the past two years from across the state. This 88 bed facility with eight living units treats children ranging from 11 to 18 years of age, and provides mental health treatment services and care for children who are experiencing extreme emotional and behavioral difficulties. 

The reality of the winter holiday season for many of the children at the center is the holidays are a time filled with loneliness and the sadness, of not being with family members, or not having a home or family to go home to. 

At the Solnit Children's Center we share the holiday spirit with our children, in our groups and activities. We grant the children's gift wishes as well as encourage the spirit of giving to others, and we have a variety of special gatherings, events, and traditions designed to that end. We ask that you open your hearts to these children and give generously to help us make their holiday special this year.

See the attached wish list in pdf form.

If you wish to make a monetary donation, a check made out to the Patient Activity Fund would be most welcome.  All monies received are expended only for patient activities and gifts.  Donation suggestions are also available, and have been included in this mailing for your convenience. More information regarding and coordinating donations can be obtained by contacting Michael Little at 860-704-4304 or Michael.Little@ct.gov. 

Please contact Mike Little if you are interested in donating holiday gift items.  Checks can be mailed directly to our facility at 915 River Rd, Middletown, CT 06457 to the attention of Connie Tessarzik.

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity, and may this holiday be a time of peace and joy for you and your family.

Michele Sarofin                                                                                                             Hospital Superintendent