Was it a wild idea to launch a nonprofit in the middle of a pandemic? Maybe. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Hannah's Helpers saw a need in the community and sought out to meet it. One year later this startup organization, with the support of compassionate volunteers and generous donors, has provided comfort and support to dozens of families raising special needs children.
Every family deserves to experience joy during the holidays. This was the simple premise that sparked the very first Hannah's Helpers events and ignited a fire for serving local families all year long. In Dec. 2020, weeks after formally becoming an official organization, volunteers gathered to package and deliver hot meals for families and health care workers spending Christmas in the PICU and NICU. Over 225 enchilada dinners from Valle Grullense and gooey chocolate chip cookies from the downtown DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel were prepared and delivered on Christmas Eve.
Imagine laying down on the floor of a public restroom. Pretty gross, right? It's something that parents of special needs children have to worry about regularly, due to the lack of accessibility in public bathrooms. That's why Hannah's Helpers is on a mission to purchase, install and advocate for adult-sized changing tables in public spaces throughout the Central Valley. In February 2021, the vision came to life when the first table was installed at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
A total of 2 adult-sized changing tables have now been installed in the Valley this year, with efforts underway now to raise money for a new electronic changing table to be installed at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo in the coming months.
Something as simple as a brightly colored pillowcase can light up a hospital room on a gloomy day. Pillowcases for Smiles are lovingly sewn by volunteers and delivered to the hospital's pediatric units throughout the year. Since the project began in March, Hannah's Helpers volunteers have made and delivered over 650 pillowcases to Community Regional Medical Center for young patients.
And there's more. Hannah's Pantry at Community Regional Medical Center offers free snacks for healthcare workers and families spending time in the hospital.
Hannah's Helpers is partnering with community organizations throughout the Valley to provide additional resources and improved accessibility for special needs children.
New sensory boxes for students to interact with are now available at the Hanford Children's Storybook Garden and Museum. Hannah's Helpers is also working with Imagine U Children's Museum in Visalia to provide a safe changing space for children with disabilities as well as supportive seating that will allow children more opportunities to interact with the museum's activities. A partnership with the City of Visalia and Unlimited Play is developing a new, inclusive playground for all children to enjoy. Hannah's Helpers is also working with for-profit locations throughout the Valley to advocate for accessibility improvements.
It's been an incredible first year, and we can't wait to see what's next. Dedicated volunteers and generous donors like you are making a positive impact for local families of children with special needs. More plans are underway as we mark this milestone anniversary and we're excited to see what we will accomplish together in year two!