As last year was ending, Mercy Hospital in St. Louis saw a problem. Many families were coming to the emergency room unexpectedly and didn’t have the things they needed, like a toothbrush.
They were scared and confused.
Mercy Hospital decided to do something about it and reached out to JOY FM for help.
JOY FM and Mercy Hospital Working Together
Kelsey Mitchell, who works at Mercy Children’s Hospital, saw these families struggling. She thought of a great idea: to give these families an overnight bag with some important items. She asked JOY FM if we could add some special things to these bags to bring a little bit of hope and joy.
Of course, we said yes right away.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
This was an exciting chance to show God’s love to people who were hurting.
We had the opportunity to include a small stuffed bear called a “Prayer Bear” with a note of encouragement. We also put in bubbles for the kids to play with and a JOY FM devotional book called Findable Joy to give parents hope and comfort.
Amazing Support from Listeners
Knowing we couldn’t do this big project alone. We asked you, our listeners, if you could help by funding the bears. The response was amazing! So many of you donated, and because of that, we could not only give out the bears but also found out that this initiative sparked listeners to reach out to Mercy and support them directly!
Mercy Hospital told us that they estimate they will see about 500 families come and stay the night in the emergency room this year. So, thanks to your generosity, we were able to deliver 500 bears and devotionals! Now, every family that comes through their doors will get a little reminder that they are not alone and that there is always hope.
God is doing amazing things in St. Louis through the kind people at Mercy who care for their patients daily.
A Heartfelt Thank You!
The bears are dropped off, but the care and concern doesn’t end here.
Let’s continue praying for the families that receive these bags that they will experience the love that comes with it from Mercy Hospital, from JOY FM listeners and from a God who sees them.
Thank you to everyone who gave and thank you to those who are praying.
