Staci Piken helps a young guest build a lantern
Every year, Morgan Stanley facilitates Global Volunteer Month, galvanizing individuals worldwide to give back in myriad ways. “Volunteers are very helpful,” says Katia Perez of the Child Life Services department. “They give us the opportunity to give patients that one-on-one experience.”
Volunteers from Morgan Stanley
At NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of the Children’s Hospital of New York, these volunteers engage some of our youngest patients in activities, from picture frame decorating, to ceramic rock painting, and fairy lantern making. It’s one example of Morgan Stanley’s continued commitment to the kids of NYP, as volunteers and NewYork-Presbyterian staff came together on a recent Tuesday to craft with patients, visitors, and their families.
The fairy lantern-making session was Aidan's first event
“The patients don’t feel well, so this gives them an opportunity to distract from what they are enduring,” says Katia. Staci Piken, a 20-year Morgan Stanley employee who has participated in numerous volunteer events at the children’s hospital, says, “It’s important to be there for others and support others in a positive way.”
Volunteers and the events they support help enrich the experiences of our patients, especially those navigating some of the most complex conditions and critical care needs. Attending the recent fairy lantern-making session for the first time, Mariam Onofre and her son Aidan were delighted to learn about the hospital’s volunteer programming. “We happened to be walking by when we were told to stop in,” she said. “What I appreciate about Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital is that they take care of the kids—they care about the kids a lot."