Press Room

Senators help families prepare for the holidays

Thursday, December 22 2011

Lawmakers volunteer at local hospital

AURORA— President Brandon Shaffer (D-Longmont), Senator Evie Hudak (D-Arvada), and Senator Linda Newell (D-Littleton) helped Children’s Hospital Colorado families choose donated gifts for their young loved ones.  The Senators volunteered at the hospital this week during the yearly “Snow Pile” event.

 “Snow Pile” is a holiday program for low-income and inpatient families who may not have the means or time to holiday shop.  The participating families are allowed to select free clothing, books, and toys for the youngsters in their family.  The Senators helped the families to choose the perfect gifts.   

The lawmakers offered the following comments:

“I helped families pick out books and was thrilled to use my skills as a former English teacher and library staffer.  Books offer children an escape, away from the stresses that come from being sick or having a sick brother or sister,” said Senator Hudak.  

“Being with these families reminds me of why I believe in the human spirit and the miracles that happen here at Children’s Hospital Colorado.  It’s just so humbling.  I’ll continue to help children and families any way I can,” said Senator Newell.  

“This is what it’s all about — helping one another through tough times, whether that be unemployment, tending to a sick child, or a number of other challenges people tackle everyday.  I feel blessed to have the opportunity to interact with the Children’s Hospital Colorado community, a shining example of how a community should be,” said President Shaffer.     

Children’s Hospital Colorado social workers help identify families who would most benefit from the event; each hospital social worker is allowed to identify three to five families whose children are treated in the hospital network’s outpatient facilities.  The hospital also invites all inpatient families to participate.  Last year, nearly 500 families, including more than 1,100 children benefitted from the annual event.  For more information about the Snow Pile event itself, please contact:  

Children’s Hospital Colorado Media Contact:
Elizabeth Whitehead, 720-777-6388, pr: 303-890-8314

Senator Evie Hudak

Senator Linda Newell