The pediatric patients included respiratory, cardiology, neurology and oncology patients.

The goal of the event was for QSNA to be involved on and off campus by donating their time and energy for a greater good, QSNA President Cara Hess ‘23 said.

QSNA increased their number of donated blankets compared to last year’s record of 24. The event included pizza, cupcakes and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing Erica Rizzo spoke about Pancreatic cancer.

“I hope participants viewed the meeting as a rewarding experience,” said Hess. “The primary incentive of QSNA is to develop the integrity and care of students, much like the qualities a nurse would have, and apply such characteristics to community initiatives. My hope is that students enjoy volunteering and appreciate the experience. We are very thankful for our members’ involvement in our various donation efforts.”

Hess kept in contact with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to organize drop off times for the QSNA Toy Drive, which will be held Fri Dec 9 and Sat Dec 10 at Connecticut Children’s Warehouse in West Hartford. QSNA will wrap the blankets in festive bags and use ribbons/bows.

Hosting volunteer events and donation drives helps represent the initiative and goals of QSNA. The organization’s goals are to make a positive impact on the community and unite Quinnipiac’s nursing, inter-professional health science and medical communities with the surrounding communities.

“This has been a great event that QSNA members have participated in since before our faculty advisor, Donna Diaz, can remember,” said Hess. “It’s always a fun and rewarding way to get the members to make a difference in Hamden and surrounding communities.”

Anyone who is interested in participating in the blanket drop-off/toy drive Dec 9 and Dec 10 contact Gina Frank at Gina.Frank@quinnipiac.edu.