Owens nursing students and faculty (L to R) Heather Franks of Findlay, Charity De La Cruz of Fostoria, Melanie Scherdt of Deshler and Clair Vroman of Findlay pose for a photo with the 200 toys, which were donated to area hospital children. Photo courtesy of Owens

FINDLAY, Ohio – Plenty of smiles could be seen within several area hospitals recently thanks to the humanitarian efforts of Owens Community College Findlay-area Campus’ Student Nursing Association. More than 200 toys ranging from dolls and handmade wooden cars to coloring books and board games, collected as part of a community-wide drive, were given to children forced to spend the holiday season in local hospitals. 

“Giving a child a toy can make a world of difference while they are staying in the hospital,” said Claire Vroman of Findlay, an Owens licensed practical nursing student and Findlay-area Campus Student Nursing Association Treasurer. “No child wants to spend the holidays in the hospital. If we can take their mind off their illness and brighten their day than we have accomplished our goal.”

Among the hospitals where Owens students and faculty personally hand-delivered the charitable gifts included Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay, Wood County Hospital in Bowling Green, Lima Memorial Health System in Lima, Mercy Hospital of Tiffin in Tiffin, Fremont Memorial Hospital in Fremont and Fostoria Community Hospital in Fostoria. Over 815 toys have been donated to area hospital children in the last eight years.     

The Owens Student Nursing Association has a rich and storied history, serving as one of the longest active student organizations at the College. In 2005, Owens expanded its student activities opportunities to include a new Findlay-area Campus chapter of the Student Nursing Association. The organization was created for Findlay-area Campus nursing and pre-nursing students with the overall mission of providing avenues for individuals to engage in community service activities, as well as to serve as a support network for nursing students.