SNOWPILE Program

This time of year, when so many families come together to celebrate the season of joy, others are facing the heartbreaking challenges of a sick child. This was the case of the Harland family. When their oldest child was hospitalized, they tirelessly spent as much time as they could at her bedside, while also making sure their three younger children at home were not neglected during the ordeal.

When a DMC Children’s Hospital of Michigan Child Life team member asked the Harlands if they wanted to receive some toys for all of their children, the parents proudly replied, “no.” After some thought they soon realized they didn’t have that precious commodity we all take for granted: time. The stress of the approaching holiday weighed heavily on Mr. Harland’s mind and he admitted he and his wife just didn’t have the time to do something special for their daughter and three other children.

It’s because of families like the Harland’s that we created the SNOWPILE program.

SNOWPILE is a patient and family centered care model of gift giving for children and teens hospitalized during the holiday season. Children’s Hospital staff and volunteers create a shop in which family members are invited to select gifts from a literal “snowpile” of toys, books, and games. (DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE WISH LIST HERE)

Recognizing the role a family plays in the recovery of a child and the sacrifices siblings have to make for their ill brother or sister, this program also allows siblings to take part in receiving gifts. After all the gifts are wrapped, families then personally surprise their children with their holiday presents.

Please join us by helping to make the lives of our patients and families a bit brighter this year. Please donate a new toy, game, or a monetary gift in support of the SNOWPILE program, sponsored by the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation.

Thank you so much for caring … and giving.

If you have any questions, please contact Deanna Scanlon, Child Life Projects Specialist, at (313) 745-5364 or dscanlon@dmc.org

Download the SNOWPILE Brochure by Clicking HERE

Download a Gift Donation Form by Clicking HERE