As the holiday season nears, UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale and La Grange hospitals are asking for blanket donations to support their Three Wishes Program. This initiative aims to provide personalized end-of-life care by allowing patients and families to choose three meaningful keepsakes or gestures, such as a card with a loved one’s fingerprint or a printout of their heartbeat.
Blankets, which are often handmade by volunteers and community members, are among the most requested items in the program. These blankets are given to patients in intensive care and palliative care units, offering comfort and creating a familiar environment during difficult times.
“Blankets are the most requested item in the program, and we can always use more,” said Cathy Ballenger, RN, director of Nursing in the Critical Care division at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange. “Every donation helps bring comfort and dignity to patients.”
The hospitals encourage families, co-workers, and community organizations to participate by donating new blankets. Donations can be dropped off at either the Hinsdale campus at 120 N. Oak St. or the La Grange campus at 5101 Willow Springs Rd. Both store-bought and handmade blankets made from new materials are accepted in all sizes. No-sew fleece tie blankets using at least two yards of material in various colors and patterns are also welcomed. Additionally, donations of fleece (minimum two yards) can be provided for hospital volunteers to make into blankets.
For those interested in donating or seeking more information, Cathy Ballenger can be contacted at 815-351-3903 or via email at Cathy.Ballenger@adventhealth.com.
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida, was founded in 1908, is led by President Terry Shaw, has a pediatric ward, and serves as a training hospital.
