Med students fundraise for CHOG

In December, first and second year medical students participated in the Employee Advisory Council fundraiser. However, they took their involvement one step further and also raised money for a toy drive to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

The Employee Advisory Council fundraiser allowed Augusta University employees to purchase a Roary stuffed animal, the CHOG mascot, for $10. The stuffed animal was then placed in a gift bag and donated to CHOG patients.

In addition to their involvement with this fundraiser, the Medical College of Georgia classes of 2018 and 2019 furthered their participation by purchasing toys for the children.

“We felt we could get involved by purchasing the Roarys as well as raising money to donate toys,” said Chrissy Callaway, class of 2019 vice president. “Our classmates and colleagues really enjoy the different ways we approach fundraising.”

Together, the students were able to raise more than $1,500. They purchased 72 Roary stuffed animals through the Employee Advisory Council fundraiser. All remaining funds were used to buy toys to donate to CHOG.

“We feel that it is very important to give back to the community that supports us, and putting a smile on a CHOG patient’s face allows us to do that,” Callaway said. “It is so rewarding to bring joy into a situation that can be very scary for both the children and their families.”

Callaway, along with the community vice presidents of the classes of 2018 and 2019, delivered their toys to Stephanie Grayson, CHOG child life specialist, on Monday, Dec. 14.