A group of philanthropy-minded children who call themselves “Forever Kids” recently visited The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, to spread cheer to the hospital’s pediatric patients and to drop off a $300 donation to support the child life program.
The group of five children from the Tonino and Tansey families of Howell raised the money by selling rainbow loom bracelets and, in warmer months, setting up a lemonade stand. During their visit, Forever Kids handed out treasure bags containing stickers, mini skateboards, notepads and more to eight pediatric patients to help keep them busy during their stay.They left 32 treasure bags with Kristin Kuhi, the child life specialist at The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center, to be given to patients in the future. “The children lost their grandfathers very early, which influenced their determination to help others.They just want to bring a smile to other kids’ faces,” says Kristy Tonino, mother to Forever Kids members Avary, 9; Sophie Mae, 6; and Billy, 2.The group also includes children from the Tansey family — Abigail, 8, and Brayden, 6.
The families chose The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center because they are from the area and thought it was very important to give back to a local child life program.
The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center offers the highest level of pediatric services for newborns to adolescents, including cutting edge treatment, specialized expertise and an unsurpassed dedication to medical excellence in 32 pediatric subspecialty areas.