Orland Fire Protection District to Collect Toys for Children’s Memorial Hospital
Residents Can Drop Off New Toys at Orland Firehouses Between June 9 ^- 21


CONTACT:  Darlene Prusa, 708.732.6649
                   Battalion Chief Joe Copeland, 708.349.0074  Ext. 214.
EFFECTIVE: 06.09.08


June 9, 2008 Orland Park, Illinois -- The Orland Fire Protection District is participating in a new toy drive to benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital from June 9^th to June 21^st. Containers will be at each firehouse where people can drop off new items. The items which can include toys, games, books, arts and crafts will help make patients' time in the hospital brighter and allow them to feel like kids while away from school and peers. Donated items must be new to ensure patient safety who may have compromised immune systems and should not be gift wrapped to enable easy distribution to the children.

The toy drive idea was suggested by Orland Park resident and recent Children’s Memorial patient, 4 year old Katie Prusa. Katie, who was recently diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder Chiari 1 Malformation, has spent a lot of time at Children’s Memorial Hospital in the last few months. She’s had two brain surgeries and numerous tests to diagnose and treat her disease.

Chiari 1 Malformation means the bottom part of Katie’s brain, the cerebellum, descends into her spinal column. This causes pressure on her brain and spinal cord and limits the flow of cerebro-spinal fluid to her brain and spinal cord.

“She told me she wanted to help the other sick kids at the hospital and give them some new toys. It was Katie’s idea but the Orland Fire District is helping us take this toy drive to the next level,” said Darlene Prusa, Katie’s mom.

Battalion Chief Joe Copeland got the call from Darlene and knew right away that this was something the Orland Fire Protection District could help with. “Children’s Memorial Hospital is close to my heart, they were there for my nephew many years ago when he was gravely ill,” said Copeland. Copeland is organizing the Toy Drive through the Orland Fire Protection District.

Here is a list of appropriate items for donation (all must be new):

·        Socks – children’s and teen sizes

·        Children’s blankets – themed and colorful

·        Crib toys, infant/toddler toys

·        Games for teens

·        Small toys and gifts for kids of all ages

·        Soap and lotion sets

·        DVD movies – G or PG rated

·        Arts and Crafts Kits

For more information on Katie and Chiari 1 Malformation, visit her website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/KatiePrusa. If you would like to donate, stop by an Orland Fire Protection District Firehouse or the administration building between June 9^th and June 21^st.

Contact: Darlene Prusa, 708-732-6649 or Battalion Chief Joe Copeland, 708-349-0074 Ext. 214.

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