Cox Medical Center Branson Emergency Room staff Tim Costello, from left, Kristen Cardwell and Trauma Coordinator Angelina Hein accept a donation of stuffed animals from JATC members Treasurer Rita Parsons and Secretary Kathleen Brown.

Several cuddly animals filled a bed in the Cox Medical Center Emergency Room in late June, ready to greet young patients that come in for treatment. The more than two dozen stuffed animals were donated by the Junior Auxiliary of Taney County. It’s one of their annual focused projects, Tender Critters, the ongoing collection of new stuffed animals to be distributed at the local hospital.

Cox Branson Emergency Room staff Tim Costello M.D., Kristen Cardwell R.N., and Angelina Hein BSN, CSN, Trauma Coordinator, accepted the donation of stuffed animals from Junior Auxiliary of Taney County members Rita Parsons, Treasurer, and Kathleen Brown, Secretary.

The Junior Auxiliary works to help local children and families, looking for ways to meet people’s needs. They strive to help the mental, physical, social and emotional well-being of children.

Tender Critters will serve to lessen the trauma and stress of pediatric patients, making them feel more at home while visiting the Emergency Room or staying in the Pediatric Unit of Cox Medical Center Branson.

http://www.jrn.com/ktts/news/214189301.html

Published: Branson Tri-Lakes News, 7/10/13; Branson Daily Independent 7/7/13