December 8, 2006

New playroom brightens playtime

Pediatric patients delighted in new toys, puzzles and games as the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) unveiled a new, state-of-the-art playroom Dec. 6 on Ellison 18. The playroom was created with help from the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation and was made possible through a $7 million, multiyear donation by the Toys "R" Us Children's Fund to Starlight Starbright for the construction and renovation of children's playrooms in hospitals across the country.

With shooting stars displayed across the ceiling and play areas for infants, toddlers and older children, the playroom serves as a fun, carefree space for MGHfC patients. Playroom amenities include a 55-gallon aquarium, two computers with flat screen monitors, a big-screen television with DVD and VCR players, a stereo CD player, a Nintendo GameCube system, wall-mounted interactive games and other new toys purchased with help from Toys "R" Us. Angels Above, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to critically and chronically ill patients at the MGHfC, purchased additional playthings for the room, and Walsh Brothers, Inc. donated construction costs and labor for the space. Right, a young patient with his
mother and Geoffrey the Giraffe