I have never felt how it is like to be terribly sick in the hospital for a holiday. But I am going to find out what they're feeling on Christmas day. Children from 4 to 17 sit in the pediatric department, being sick with anything from an unknown cause or a dangerous case of the flu. A toy, or something to do like a puzzle can often cheer them up, one way or another.

It's always tough to get over sicknesses, even when they just involve a small runny nose (even the Why-pox!!), and when they last for a while we always get to a point when we just want those germs to go away. My mother works at our hospital as an LPN or "licensed practical nurse" -- among other things, she takes blood from adults.

My mom and I gathered some info from toy shops around our area and asked for donations. The sad thing is, we've only gotten one place that would donate. The day after talking with those folks, though, we were able to pick up the donations, which were actually very good! We got a lot of donations from that store!

I hope this helps the sick children be more happy on Christmas and I hope that everyone will agree that my plan will be successful!

Editor's Note: Who else is doing something nice for others this holiday season?  Gathering donations or giving donations yourself, volunteering at a homeless shelter, what else can be done to make this a better world and give us hope for "peace on Earth"?  Every little thing helps.