Prizes for Pokes -- Cordials donate toys to help comfort kids in pain

McCook Cordials donate cheerful toys for Community Hospital’s Prizes for Pokes program. Members shown from left to right are:  Jill Geisler, Jennifer Morgan, Alesia Kalinski, Beth Siegfried, Holly Olson, Missy Nelson, Laurie Sinner and Terri Skolout.

Courtesy photo

McCOOK, Neb. -- The McCook Cordials understand sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Members gathered for their annual Christmas party and brought small toys, crayons/markers, playdough, dolls, toy cars, and other youth trinkets. For their second year, they donated the toys to Community Hospital’s Prizes for Pokes program through the Community Hospital Health Foundation.

The Prizes for Pokes program was initiated in 2014 by Abby Sedlacek and her friend Darin Neben who both had their share of pokes while receiving cancer treatment. Their intentions were to make sure children receiving any type of poke: blood draws, infusions, injections, etc. would be able to select a prize for their bravery and distract them from any pain. Their efforts, along with their families, originally received support from local merchants. Later Community Hospital employees, Masonic Lodge #124, and the McCook Cordials added to the campaign.

Community Hospital Health Foundation Director, Jessica Bortner, said healthcare team members in the emergency room, laboratory, and outpatient injection/infusion center were excited to receive toys to comfort their young patients during stressful situations. Toys were also provided to the McCook Clinic and will be delivered shortly to Trenton Clinic and Curtis Medical Center.

If you wish to donate to this effort, contact Community Hospital Health Foundation at (308) 344-7222.