The Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood is donating $50,000 of the proceeds from its Annual Charity Cotton Ball in February to the Greenwood Leflore Hospital Foundation for new pediatric equipment.
For the ball's 50th anniversary, the Junior Auxiliary decided to do something special and "go big" with one donation to the hospital, said Emily Gnemi, Cotton Ball Committee co-chairman.
The hospital gave the auxiliary a list of equipment they could use for the pediatric wing and the auxiliary chose several pieces that added up to $50,000.
The organization decided to purchase four new pediatric crash carts, three new pediatric cribs and two new newborn cribs.
The organization has a history of donating to the hospital, said Shannon Melton, Greenwood Leflore Hospital's communications and marketing director.
Wheelchairs, televisions, VCRs and toys are items that have previously been given to the pediatric wing.
Gnemi said the organization participates in various projects throughout the year that benefit children, but donating directly to the hospital is unique. "This way it benefits all the children of Leflore County," she said.
The hospital currently has several pediatric crash carts, but newer models have medicine color-coded by age and weight, making treatment easier and quicker, said Christine Hemphill, director of the Greenwood Leflore Hospital Foundation.
These carts can be placed anywhere in the hospital, making it easier for those who may not normally treat children to do so. The new crash carts cost $6,000 each.
The three new cribs to be purchased by the auxiliary cost $7,000 each and will be easy to roll and maneuver. Older cribs are bulky, requiring the patient to be moved into a wheelchair to get to another part of the hospital. The new cribs also accommodate an oxygen cylinder, Hemphill said.
Two newborn cribs that cost $2,500 each will replace the oldest cribs at the hospital.
Those at Greenwood Leflore Hospital are appreciative of the auxiliary's donation to assist them in the care of the community's pediatric patients.
"What we're doing is to make a child's stay as pleasant as possible," Hemphill said.
The Cotton Ball raises funds through ticket sales, a live auction, a silent auction and a raffle. Auction items include artwork, jewelry, furniture and more. This year's raffle is an Ultimate Viking Culinary Package worth $3,250.
The event is Feb. 24. Tickets are $5 each, and may be purchased from any auxiliary member.
