Karen King loved Akron Children’s Hospital. Anyone who knew the 62-year-old, who served as a volunteer for over 47 years, loved her right back. Karen passed away this week, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her mourn her loss. “Karen has been a presence in our department for 4 decades,” said Vicki Parisi, […]
Grandson’s success story inspires husband-wife team to volunteer
Alice and Joe Colella see their grandson in many of the children they meet as volunteers at Akron Children’s Hospital’s Beeghly campus. Their daughter’s son, Aiden Thompson, was treated in Akron after being born without a fibula bone in his left leg. He ultimately had his lower leg amputated and was fitted with a prosthesis […]
Celebrating volunteerism at Akron Children’s
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, the Women’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital hosted a breakfast to honor the hospital’s volunteers and recognize their hard work and dedication. From Doggie Brigade to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) cuddlers to greeters at information desks, more than 1,600 volunteers give their time on the Akron and Mahoning […]
Holiday Tree Festival Returns for its 35th Year
The Holiday Tree Festival returns to the John S. Knight Center for its 35th year starting November 19. Since it began in 1982, the festival, which is presented by the volunteers of Akron Children’s Hospital, has raised more than $5.3 million to support our patients and programs. “For 35 years, the Holiday Tree Festival has […]
Holiday Tree Festival Brings Memories of Loved Ones to Life
For the past 35 years, the Holiday Tree Festival has offered people a creative way to bring their interests and passions to life. It’s also become a way for people to honor the memory of someone who made an impact in their life. For Nicci Avalon, Joni Fitch and Sara Lundenberger, the person they came […]
Volunteers give their time for the kids
It’s for the kids. It’s a simple, but meaningful sentiment that is echoed throughout Akron Children’s Hospital’s volunteer department, and it’s a sentiment that unites Keith Baker, Mark Geschke and Nora Houser despite their different volunteer roles. Keith Baker started his volunteer experience at Akron Children’s about 13 years ago. On Wednesdays, he helps at […]