Bi-Monthly Catered Meals
At Doernbecher and Randall Children’s Hospital
Every other month, Candlelighters serves a catered meal to in-patient families at OHSU Doernbecher and Randall Children’s Hospital. Families greatly look forward to the bi-monthly dinners and lunches which nourish the body and the soul and provide a break from the monotony of being in the hospital.
“When our daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, Candlelighters had brought dinner to our floor and the volunteers were so genuinely interested not only in our story, but who we were before our story of cancer began. It was exactly the light we needed to be shone on our lives.”
Food Pantries
At Doernbecher and Randall Children’s Hospital
Candlelighters’ food pantries at Doernbecher and Randall Children’s Hospital offer snacks and ready-to-eat meals for families at any time of the day. Food from the pantry supplements hospital meals for kids and provides meals and snacks for their families. These small conveniences ensure families have consistent access to food during long stays in the hospital.
“We were so happy that the pantry was there. My son went through a long period where he would not eat hospital food. The pantry saved us.”
Home to Hospital Care Bags
At Doernbecher and Randall Children’s Hospital
Newly admitted families at Doernbecher and Randall Children’s Hospital can receive a to-go care bag from Candlelighters with daily essentials and comfort for the parent/caregiver. The bag can be used throughout treatment for clinic visits that sometimes turn into hospital stays.
If you are family in the hospital and would like to request a Home to Hospital bag, contact us or ask your social worker for more information!
Weekly Snack Cart
At Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Each Friday, kids and families at 10 South Doernbecher Children’s Hospital look forward to Candlelighters’ weekly snack cart which is packed with treats, small toys and other surprises! Candlelighters’ staff always enjoys making a direct connection with kids and families that are in-patient and in-clinic.
Bedside Buddies
At Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Every newly admitted child at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital receives a cuddly Bedside Buddy on their hospital bed. These stuffed animals offer a sense of comfort for children who are facing an unfamiliar environment in the hospital.
“Our son still has his Candlelighters bedside buddy Pengali the penguin. He got Pengali when he was 22 months, today he is 14. Pengali is one of three stuffed animals still on his bed. Bedside Buddies will always be a part of our cancer journey.”