It made a difference, because Lovisa collected 96 Christmas presents for sick children at Växjö hospital.
– I realized that if you could perhaps change Christmas inside the hospital walls, that would be nice.
The Växjö resident had an idea for a Christmas gift collection for sick children who are hospitalized over Christmas, and on November 24 it started. She wrote a text on social media that people were allowed to give both ready-made Christmas presents but also money. Many of Lovisa’s loved ones shared the post, but it was also posted in a local Facebook group and then spread widely.
– Since it was for the Växjö hospital I collected Christmas presents for, it spread quickly here in the city, says Lovisa Karlsson.
On December 22, Lovisa had collected 96 Christmas presents, cinema tickets for SEK 1,500 and two large bags of candy for staff and parents at the hospital.
She handed the pats over to play therapy staff at the infirmary who would make sure they ended up in the right place.
– They were very nice and thanked me a thousand times over and said that this was a fantastic initiative.
“It warms the whole heart”
The pats contained everything possible so that the children could delay the time of death in the hospital and keep themselves busy. It included puzzles, board games, books and toys, among other things.
– Hospitals are connected a lot to difficult things, so getting a Christmas present from one of the staff can make a big difference. Then maybe the staff won’t be as scary anymore for the little ones if you say so.
This Christmas weekend, hospital staff have contacted Lovisa to show how much the gifts were appreciated.
– I have had pictures sent to me from inside the nursery, for example where children are sitting and opening Christmas presents, and it warms the whole heart to see.
Parents of hospitalized children have also reached out to express their gratitude.
– Parents have also written to me afterwards that, “my son ended up in the emergency room during the Christmas holiday and received a Christmas present – is it from your collection?” Then you see that it is the same wrapping paper that you have wrapped yourself with. It is absolutely fantastic and you are so happy yourself when you see that it actually makes a difference.