300 Cans Of Play Doh Donated To Valley's Pediatric Unit

RIDGEWOOD, NJ - Patients in the pediatric unit of Valley Hospital recently received almost 300 cans of Play Doh, as well as crafting supplies, thanks to a donation from faculty and staff at Berkeley College.

The collection was organized through the Berkeley Cares initiative, an ongoing effort that encourages students, alumni, faculty and staff to continue the Paramus college's tradition of serving worthy causes in the community.

Play Doh and crafting can help provide a therapeutic distraction for Valley's pediatric patients, who face neurological, gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, among other conditions.

Lori Check, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Clinical Shift Supervisor, Valley Hospital Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit said they're "very grateful" for the donation.

“Squishing, rolling, sculpting and molding appeals to children of multiple ages. A hospital setting typically produces anxiety in children, and this is a means of working through some of their fears and anxieties," Check said.

The collection was spearheaded by the staff of Berkeley College Online, which supports the College’s distance learning efforts from offices in Paramus.

“No one wants their child to be in the hospital, let alone during the holidays, so to be able to do something to give a sense of normalcy to these families was meaningful to us,” said Chrissy Andracik, Director, Student Development and Campus Life, Berkeley College Online. “Berkeley College culture is very focused on giving back, and as a part of the Bergen County community, we were grateful to have the opportunity to spread some cheer in our own backyard.”