New playroom at Jamaica Hospital

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center recently unveiled its state-of-the-art playroom - sponsored by Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Fund and the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.
Complete with a flat-screen TV, DVD/VCR players, a Nintendo Game Cube system, and a computer system with flat screen monitor, the room was also outfitted with $1,000 worth of toys from Toys ‘R’ Us.
“Our hospital is incredibly grateful to the Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Fund, and the Starlight Foundation. It’s because of their generosity that our children are able to learn, play and thrive despite any maladies they may face,” said Malika Granville, a spokesperson for the hospital.
In 2002, Toys ‘R’ Us donated $7 million to Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation to renovate kids’ playrooms in hospitals across the country. So far, the collaboration has yielded more than 50 new playrooms nationwide - including the Jamaica Hospital play area - and organizers hope to have 75 playrooms finished by 2008.
“Toys ‘R’ Us and the Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Fund are committed to improving the quality of life for children,” said Kathleen Waugh, Chair of the Toys ‘R’ Us Children’s Fund, Inc. “And through these playrooms, we hope to bring much-needed joy and play time to pediatric patients at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.”
For patients Antwan Chisolm, 8; Shoshawnna Brown, 11; Brandon Velazquez, 11; and Shawn Corcas, 8; the unveiling on Monday, March 26 also meant a visit from towering mascot, Jeffrey the Giraffe, who did the “moon walk” and the “robot” for the kids.
At the end, the children had the chance to test out the new playroom, and all four huddled around their favorite plaything - the Game Cube.