Student Council brings "pets" to hospitalized kids

Thu, 11 Nov 2004 19:23:00 GMT

By Melanie Woodworth, Assisstant Opinion Editor

by Ebonie Quint, Head Photographer

The posters have been hanging in the halls for more than two weeks now. “Bring stuffed animals to E101 for Operation SMILE,” has been repeated over the morning announcements, but what exactly is Operation SMILE? “It was the idea of one student who volunteers at Munster Community,” sponsor Mrs. Leslie Lettiere said. “She thought people who have long term stays felt lonely, and she wanted to do something to brighten their stay.” Operation SMILE is an activity sponsored by Student Council. After it was proposed, the project was handed over to the Philanthropic branch of Student Council. They are collecting new or used stuffed animals to distribute to the sick and needy in the Northwest Indiana area. Junior Iraís Ferreira said, “I am the chair person of the Philanthropic branch. My friend Sam and I were trying to think of a way to help so the lonely kids in the hospital won’t feel as lonely.” Students can bring stuffed animals to E101. The animals must be clean and should be in good condition for donation. “They must be clean, only gently used, and we’d prefer no perfume or smoke smell because you never know what allergies kids may have,” said Mrs. Lettiere. According to Mrs. Lettiere, the destination of the stuffed animals is not definite yet. They hope to give the donations to a local organization. The Nazareth Home, an orphanage, is one of the potential organizations. Ferreira said, “We’re thinking of Nazareth Home because hospitals are not allowing us to go in.” As of right now, there is no deadline for donating stuffed animals. “It’s [collections] going well. Iraís is thinking we have a little over 200 stuffed animals so far,” Mrs. Lettiere said.

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Student Council brings "pets" to hospitalized kids