Student-Led Pajama Drive Brings Warm Gifts to Hospital Patients by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JULY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Student-Led Pajama Drive Brings Warm Gifts to Hospital Patients

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
December 23, 2013 at 04:08pm. Views: 121

The sound of lilting voices could be heard through the halls of the Children's Subacute Services at the Community Hospital of San Bernardino on Dec. 16. It was a special day for patients at the medical center and a particularly cheerful one because they also received gifts. Fifteen students from Washington High School's (WHS) Success by Choice program delivered 40 pairs of pajamas and 15 blankets and pairs of socks to child patients at the center that day — an idea sparked by Success by Choice members themselves. Patients staying at the Subacute Services at the hospital range in age from newborn to 21 years old and live with long-term, clinically complex neurological conditions that require machines to assist them with eating or breathing. "This is a powerful interventive trip that I take our students on," said Success by Choice Director Nina Torres, a career guidance counselor at WHS. "Not only does it remind us how valuable our own health and our lives are but it also reminds us that no matter how hard our struggles in life, there is always someone who has it harder and if these children can do it, so can we. This visit changes the lives of the people who visit these children." Success by Choice student Mark Contreras was one of the students whose life was affected by a previous visit to the center; he was so impacted that this year, he wanted to do more for the patients. He helped spark to life the idea for the pajama drive with the help of co-organizer, Success by Choice member Elizabeth Belloso. "I wanted to do something for the kids," he said. "And they can't play with toys because they are paralyzed." He originally wanted to head a toy drive but when the students were told the patients were in need of pajamas and other items, the pajama drive kicked off — and fast. "This became a community affair," said Torres. With the help of Colton Prevention Specialist Mirza Andrade-Martinez, Colton City Clerk Eileen Gomez, WHS Attendance Clerk Moniqua Aguilar and other WHS staff, donations of pajamas and socks were collected. Warm fleece blankets were handmade and donated by the Kiwanis Club of Cooley Ranch. The group spent the day visiting patients and delivering the gifts of pajamas, socks and hand-made blankets. Contreras explained he would like to continue the drive in years to come.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 421

California ballot drop box symbolize the upcoming municipal election and opportunities for residents to participate in local government. The election provides an opportunity for community members to help guide decisions affecting neighborhood improvements, economic development, and city services for years to come.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Anaheim Storm Drain & Sewer Maintenance

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 392

Storm drain infrastructure helps manage rainwater and reduce flooding in residential neighborhoods. Recent planning efforts have focused on identifying long-term improvements that can better manage stormwater, reduce localized flooding, and support future development throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 396

Mom and daughter help cleanup their community. Residents regularly work alongside city staff, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses to support programs that improve parks, beautify public spaces, and bring neighbors together.

Photo Courtesy of: AI Generated Image Greated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 436

The iconic California Theatre glows in downtown San Bernardino as visitors arrive for an evening performance, highlighting the historic venue's continuing role as a centerpiece for arts, culture, and community events.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 421

Volunteers of all ages work together in a San Bernardino community garden, planting fresh vegetables and flowers while promoting healthy living, environmental stewardship, and stronger neighborhood connections.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 494

A classic Route 66 scene celebrates San Bernardino's place along the historic highway, where vintage Americana, local businesses, and community pride continue to welcome travelers from around the world.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 502

Welcome to the celebration! Parade volunteers proudly welcomed the community to Moreno Valley's 4th of July Parade celebrating 250 Years of Freedom.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 471

City crews and firefighters inspect vegetation management efforts designed to reduce wildfire risks around neighborhoods.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 536

Children and parents enjoy trampoline attractions, climbing areas, and interactive games inside a modern indoor family entertainment center.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 201

A family prepares emergency supplies and evacuation essentials as part of a wildfire readiness plan. Inland Empire wildfire, CAL FIRE, Riverside County Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, emergency preparedness, wildfire prevention, Inland Empire news, California fire season

Photo Courtesy of: City News group AI generated Image ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 762

A California Highway Patrol officer monitors traffic as drivers travel along a busy Inland Empire freeway.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.instagram.com/reel

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 1243

A member of the Jessie Combs Foundation team performs maintenance under the hood of a vintage Chevrolet Blazer during the 2026 Hemmings Great Race, showcasing the mechanical skill and teamwork required to keep historic vehicles running throughout the cross-country rally.

--> -->