GoodHeart | Wife gives husband a gift that keeps on giving
The Wilson family donates books, supplies to hospital children’s ward
Published:Saturday | December 14, 2024 | 12:07 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
When Jhoenea Wilson asked her husband Damion what he wanted for his upcoming birthday, after a brief exchange, he was presented with three options. Tugging at his heartstrings during the season of giving, careful deliberation led Damion to choose to make a donation of books and other supplies to the Savanna-La-Mar Public General Hospital.
“Once it involves children and making an impact through education, Damion is all for the cause. He chose the children’s ward specifically because, in his line of work, he has witnessed unfortunate incidents relating to children and infants. He just wants to know that our small contribution will have a lasting impact to show others that not all hope is lost and that there is someone out there who always cares,” Jhoenea told GoodHeart about the police constable and father of two.
Seeking permission from the hospital’s administration, the Wilsons, along with their daughters Naje Wilson and Kadeea Gordon, contributed 600 diapers, 150 colouring books, crayons, pens, a stroller, a walker, a high chair, 100 stress balls, 50 reading books, and a mini bookshelf to the children’s ward on December 1.
“We decided to choose books that we knew would be child-friendly and inviting; material that would ease the tension of waiting for both mother and child,” the devoted mom said, adding, “Each child can now have a more relaxed waiting time during their admission at the hospital. Instead of laying around unbearably for discharge, why not get lost in a world of imagination, go on an adventure and learn from a book on the Wilsons’ bookshelf?”
This act of kindness not only stood as the ideal birthday gift for her husband, but it also taught their daughters a valuable lesson on the importance of giving back to the community.
“It was a fulfilling and rewarding experience for us. And it was a learning moment for our eldest daughter, Kadeea. We wanted her to know how important it is to give back to the community through the simplest act, which can always make a big difference,” she shared.
Expressing profound gratitude, the hospital administration’s lead, Tanesia Tomlinson, shared in a letter that the family’s contribution has already begun to brighten the faces of children.
The Wilsons, appreciative that the paediatric ward manager and staff took time out of their busy schedule to facilitate this gift, shared that this is something that they will continue to do as a family.
“This presentation was done three weeks before my husband’s birthday, which is the day after Christmas. So, not only did he give the babies on the ward an early Christmas gift, he received a beautiful gift prior to as well,” Jhoenea said.
They are encouraging others to join the worthy cause and give a gift to the hospital during this season. “Not many children or babies are as fortunate. So, a small gesture makes a huge impact,” she added.