LLUCH Volunteer Brings Joy To Local Hospitalized Kids

Dixie Watkins was born into a Kansas wheat-farming family. Though she still finds the time to manage her grandfather’s 1891 homestead today, she has spent the last five decades building a life and a family in Redlands, California, a community she loves living in and serving.

As the founder of the original Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild — an extension of the Loma Linda University Children’s Health (LLUCH) Foundation — her philanthropic spirit shines as she works to improve the lives of the children staying at the hospital. Watkins’ community involvement extends to memberships in the Redlands Women’s Golf Association, Redlands Republican Women’s Club and Redlands Seventh-Day Adventist church.

Her dedication and service have not gone unnoticed; she has been honored as the Woman of the Year by the Loma Linda University School of Medicine Auxiliary and as a Woman of Distinction by Redlands University Town and Gown. She has also been an esteemed member of the LLUCH Foundation for 25 years.

We spoke with Watkins about her involvement with LLUCH, what the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild does and why she loves being a part of the Loma Linda-Redlands community.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: What inspired you to get more involved in your community?

Watkins: I've lived in Redlands for 54 years. After raising four children and being very involved in their academic activities, I still had the energy and wanted to serve others and make a difference in my community.

Patch: In 1999, you became the founding president of the first and original Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild chapter, a volunteer organization that supports LLUCH. Can you tell us more about the Guild and some of its community contributions?

Watkins: It was an honor to create the Loma Linda-based organization, choosing the name, logo, writing by-laws, etc. and finding ways to add joy to the lives of our hospitalized children. Subsequently, three other guilds formed in surrounding areas: Temecula, Riverside and Coachella Valley. Together, we now have at least 420 volunteer members who coordinate events and activities to raise funds and bring awareness to help meet the healthcare needs of community children. Collectively, we have raised $7.4 million for LLUCH. We also work with the LLUCH Foundation to provide patient diversionary events for kids in the hospital.

Patch: Aside from your work with the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild, what other community organizations and projects are you involved in?

Watkins: I've chaired the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital Foundation Gala for five years, a successful and beautiful event that raises several million dollars for LLUCH every year.
I am also Secretary of the founding board for Ronald McDonald House. I've enjoyed seeing the building and completion of the house and the families living there. Lastly, I have served Meals on Wheels for five years to Redlands residents.

Patch: What would you like your fellow community members to know about LLUCH and the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Guild?

Watkins: We have a world-class Children’s Hospital in our own neighborhood and there are still many folks who do not know about it. The Guilds would love more members who can be friend-makers in our community.

Patch: Finally, what do you love most about being a part of the Redlands-Loma Linda community?

Watkins: The opportunity to serve and meet the nicest folks anywhere.

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