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LBFD Kids Beach Fest Day at Miller Childrens Hospital
By frhayes | September 8, 2008
On Friday, September 5, 2008 members from the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Kid’s program comprised of on-duty and off-duty members participated in the annual “Beach Fest Day” at Miller Children’s Hospital.
For the event a large conference room was transformed into a tropical beach setting, with the backdrop of a sizeable screen projecting moving fish amongst a coral reef. There were balloon dolphins floating through the air, plastic lobsters and crabs on the tables, kiddie pools on the floor, and even some of the food provided was shaped in the form of sea creatures.
Members from the LBFDKid’s and Miller Hospital greeted the children wearing straw hats and leas, and then escorted the children to various different activities. Their first activity was to pick either a visor or plastic fire helmet to decorate which they would wear throughout the event. Pictures were then taken in grass skirts, between two blown up palm tress, and some of the children chose to hold or pet one of the two “comfort dogs” in their pictures
There were numerous games the children could play, a face painting station, and even an area to make their very own kites. One of the highlights of the event was the bubble making presentation. A square bubble was made to the amazement of the crowd, and then individual children, and even one very tall firefighter were encapsulated in a huge bubble for the grand finale. All had fun, young and old, and the hospital staff was very gracious in expressing their gratitude for the LBFDKid’s participation at the event.
The LBFDKid’s is now in it’s 10th year of existence, originally established by Captain David Holden and Deputy Chief Mike Garcia back in 1998, and is comprised of ALL members of the LBFD who participate. The mission of the LBFDKid’s is to enhance the lives and well being of the chronically ill children at Miller Hospital, through bringing smiles and laughter.
This program is a great opportunity for members of the LBFD to provide an atmosphere of caring, comfort, fun and enjoyment to each patient treated at Miller Children’s Hospital; and to enhance the LBFD’s presence in a non-threatening, non-emergent role within the community.
The next scheduled LBFDKid’s event is the “Halloween Trick or Treat Day” on Friday, October 31st from 8:30 to 1130 A.M. LBFDKid’s volunteers visit the rooms of all the children and then lead a parade throughout the hospital where children dressed in their costumes “Trick or Treat” throughout the facility.
For more information on this event, future programs e.g., Christmas Visit, or the LBFDKid’s organization please contact Captain Greg Curiel.
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