In a world where hospital visits can be daunting for children, one nonprofit organization has been dedicated to bringing joy and comfort to young patients for over a decade. Rock'n Rooms, a Portland-based charity, has been on a mission to transform the darkest days of hospital stays into moments of brightness and hope.

Transforming Hospital Rooms into Havens of Happiness

Bringing Smiles to Sick Children

Rock'n Rooms was founded by Robin Jasper, whose own grandson's battle with stage four cancer inspired her to create a nonprofit that could make a difference in the lives of hospitalized children. After witnessing the transformative power of decorating her grandson's hospital room, Jasper realized the profound impact that a little bit of cheer could have on a child's well-being during a difficult time.Jasper's nonprofit has since grown to serve children at various hospitals in the Portland area, including Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Randall's Children's Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the Oregon Burn Center. By delivering baskets filled with toys, decorations, and other fun items, Rock'n Rooms aims to brighten the days of children who are confined to their hospital rooms for extended periods.

Partnering with the KGW Great Toy Drive

For the past eight years, Rock'n Rooms has collaborated with the KGW Great Toy Drive, a local initiative that collects and distributes toys to children in need. Through this partnership, the nonprofit has been able to acquire a vast array of toys and decorations that it can use throughout the year to bring joy to hospitalized children.Jasper emphasizes the importance of these donations, noting that the toys and decorations provided by the KGW Great Toy Drive are not just for the holidays, but are used year-round to create a sense of normalcy and comfort for the young patients. "They give us so many toys that we use all year long for the children," Jasper says. "They get super excited and big smiles on their faces, and they just can't wait to go through the basket and see what all they got."

Transforming Hospital Rooms into Havens of Happiness

The impact of Rock'n Rooms' efforts is evident in the reactions of the children they serve. Jasper recounts the heartwarming moments when the young patients receive their baskets, their faces lighting up with excitement and joy. "It's just so heartwarming to see the children's reaction," she says.For many of these children, a hospital stay can feel like an eternity, with days stretching on and weeks feeling like months. By decorating their rooms and providing them with toys and activities, Rock'n Rooms aims to create a sense of normalcy and comfort, allowing the children to momentarily escape the confines of their hospital beds and immerse themselves in the simple pleasures of childhood.

Bringing Hope and Comfort to Families

The work of Rock'n Rooms extends beyond just the children themselves. Jasper recognizes the immense stress and anxiety that families experience when their loved ones are hospitalized, and the nonprofit's efforts are designed to provide a glimmer of hope and comfort during these challenging times.By transforming the hospital environment into a more inviting and cheerful space, Rock'n Rooms not only brightens the days of the young patients but also offers a much-needed respite for their families. The simple act of decorating a room or providing a basket of toys can be a small but significant gesture that helps to alleviate the burden of a hospital stay and reminds families that they are not alone in their journey.