Members of the Long Beach Fire Department Kid's program, composed of on-duty and off-duty members, participated in the annual Beach Fest Day at Miller Children's Hospital.
A large conference room was transformed into a tropical beach setting, with the backdrop of a sizable screen projecting moving fish amongst a coral reef. There were balloon dolphins floating through the air, plastic lobsters and crabs on the tables, kiddie pools on the floor, and even food shaped like sea creatures.
Members from the LBFDKid's and Miller Hospital greeted the children wearing straw hats and leis, and then escorted the children to various activities. Their first activity was to pick either a visor or plastic fire helmet to decorate, which they wore throughout the event, and to receive their very own book bag, with ``goodies'' provided through the generous donations received by the LBFDKid's. Pictures were then taken in grass skirts, between two blown up palm trees, and some of the children chose to hold or pet one of the two ``comfort dogs'' in their pictures
Kids played games, stopped at a face- painting station, and even saw a large blown bubble presentation. This is a fun event for young and old, and the hospital staff was very gracious in expressing their gratitude for the LBFDKid's participation at this event.
The next scheduled LBFDKid's event is the Halloween Trick or Treat Day on Oct.31 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
LBFDKid's volunteers visit the rooms of all the children and then lead a parade throughout the hospital, where children dressed in their costumes trick or treat throughout the facility.
There is obviously a lot to know about this. I think you made some good points in Features also.