What do you do with leftover birthday goody bags?

Every year after my kids' birthday parties we end up with leftover goodie bags.  I never know what to do with them, but don't want to just throw them away.  In the past, I've tossed them in the boxes with items we are donating to Goodwill.  

This year I didn't want to do that.  I kept brainstorming about something better to do with the bags.  Then it hit me.  Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.  I "Googled" it and found this page on their website discussing the items they could use and goody bags were on the list. Woot!!

I contacted a lady in the Child Life Office and she, very cheerfully I might add, sent me instructions on what I needed to do to get the bags to the hospital.  

We had several bags from Grace's Kitty Cat birthday.  They contained a stuffed kitty cat, stickers, and a cat ring.  RJ's goody bags had a blow-up space shuttle and Moon Pies, from his Intergalactic Planetary birthday.  I removed the Moon Pies, then we beefed up the bags with some Play-doh, bubbles, and more stickers. Grace and I delivered them today and the ladies who accepted the donations couldn't have been more kind.  They thanked my Gracie several times and told her she was doing a great thing.

While we only delivered 12 bags, it's a wonderful feeling to know that 12 kids will get a fun little surprise while they are at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.  We have started a meaningful new tradition this year and I couldn't be more excited.  Grace and I were talking and we may even collect small toys and art supplies throughout the year, so we can put "Just Because" goody bags together for the children.  

 

 

Right now Grace doesn't fully understand the concept of sick kids having to stay in the hospital for days, weeks, or months.  One day she will.  I hope she will see the good in this small gesture.  A tiny way to help bring a smile to the faces of the littlest patients.