Members of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 80, District 1, Lake County, donated 20 GI Josh Kits for pediatric patients at Franciscan St. Margaret-Dyer and Hammond and Franciscan St. Anthony-Health Crown Point. The kits contain a plush toy dog named GI Josh, a book titled, “G.I. Josh, I’ll Be O.K.,” and a carrying case. The kits are designed is to help pediatric patients feel comforted when their parents, guardians or other family members, are not with them during parts of a hospital stay.
SAL is affiliated with American Legion Post 80, whose members meet in Whiting monthly and raise funds for charitable causes across the county. Jesse Morando III, chairman of the committee to distribute the kits, said, “We are here to serve the American Legion, the community at large and to honor our fathers and grandfathers, who served our nation in the Armed Forces.” Squadron representatives made the donation to Tony Englert, executive director of the Franciscan Alliance Foundation-Northern Indiana. “Gifts like these, which directly impact the wellbeing of our pediatric patients, are greatly appreciated and make a tremendous difference on our units,” said Englert.
