Teenagers Bring Joy to Hospital Ward with Generous Toy Donation

Teenagers in the East Durham area have transformed the lives of children at North Tees University Hospital by delivering a generous collection of toys and games. This act of kindness, organized by young participants of the National Citizen Service (NCS), highlights the impact of volunteering opportunities for under 18.

The group of 16 and 17-year-olds embarked on a community project as part of the NCS program, which is designed to empower young people through volunteering. After an exhilarating residential experience at Ford Castle, where they participated in activities like canoeing and zip wiring, the teenagers developed essential teamwork, collaboration, and leadership skills. These experiences culminated in a community-focused project aimed at making a real difference to their local area.

In their efforts to support the children’s ward, the teenagers organized a sponsored dip at Seaham beach and engaged in bag packing at Iceland in Peterlee, successfully raising £400. This money was used to purchase toys and games for the children, bringing smiles and joy to the young patients.

Courteney, a volunteer from Easington, shared, “I spent a lot of time in the ward growing up, so I wanted to give back. The group embraced the idea, and we planned some fundraising activities together.”

The impact of these efforts was felt deeply by the hospital staff. Sandra Jackson, the play specialist at North Tees University Hospital, expressed her gratitude, “The group’s generosity is greatly appreciated. They have thoughtfully chosen activities that the children will love.”

The teenagers were supported by NCS delivery partner East Durham College. Coordinator Tina Lavelle praised the group, “From the beginning, they showed determination. They researched the needs of the children and put in significant effort to reach their goals.”

For those interested in joining the next wave of NCS volunteers, the program is open to 16 and 17-year-olds and is backed by the government to make it affordable. More information can be found on the NCS Northeast website.

Discover more inspiring stories of young people making a difference in their communities, like how teenagers raised £3k for schools in India or NCS grads cleaning up their local beach.