Kayla Cares 4 Kids, a national non-profit organization that provides entertainment and educational items to children’s hospitals and hospitals with pediatric units, recently visited Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center and donated approximately $1,500 worth of supplies to the hospital’s pediatric patients.

“We’re so honored to receive these amazing gifts for our patients,” said Michelle Strickland, RN, manager of Piedmont Athens Regional’s pediatric unit. “We care for thousands of children each year in our dedicated pediatric unit, and a hospital stay is difficult for them no matter their age. Board games, DVDs, and other supplies always help to make these kids’ stays better, so we’re thankful for the gift from Kayla and her organization.”

Kayla Abramowitz, founder of Kayla Cares 4 Kids, launched the organization in 2013, after her experience in a children’s hospital. During her stay, she saw the need for games and other supplies.  

At age 11, she began collecting entertainment and education items to donate to children’s hospitals in an effort to help children feel better about their hospital stays.

Now age 16, Abramowitz’s Kayla Cares 4 Kids has collected and donated more than 22,000 items, giving to hospitals in multiple states.

The organization’s recent donation was made through the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation and gifted to the hospital’s pediatric unit. It included DVD players, books, games consoles, video games, board games, coloring books and an array of other entertainment items – approximately $1,500 worth of supplies.

Piedmont Athens Regional’s pediatric unit has 18 beds, plus an outpatient care department, and has specially trained staff to care for the medical needs of children of all ages. The unit is also a partner of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, supporting the commitment of Children’s and Piedmont in providing high-quality pediatric care and to expanding access to specialized pediatric care in Georgia.