Thousands of Kids Day volunteers making a difference one paper at a time
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- On Tuesday, volunteers across the Valley were selling a special edition of the Fresno Bee with all the proceeds benefiting Valley Children's Hospital.
Kids Day ambassador, and ABC 30's mini reporter, Naima Gutierrez took to the streets to help some of the more than 6,000 volunteers selling "Kids Day" papers across the Valley. People opened their wallets and their hearts to buy the special edition paper benefiting Valley Children's Hospital. While volunteers asked for just a dollar some gave more.
Organizers hope to bring in $550,000, which isn't a far reach with volunteers like the Fresno State rugby team. "I have two little brothers at home, I know they see me giving back. I want to be a good example for them," said Marques Watkins, Fresno State Rugby.
Since its inception Kids Day has raised more than $7 million. "The doctors that they need, the staff that they need, spiritual support services, anything they need when were at Valley Children's," said Todd Suntrapak, President and CEO Valley Children's Hospital.
Suntrapak said he's more than proud of the hospital staff that go above and beyond. "They're the best in the world, I wouldn't trade them for anything. They are what makes Valley Children's what it is, and I'm thankful for them every day."
"They do miraculous things and we need to support them with all that we have," said Chief Jerry Dyer, Fresno Police.
Even Chief Dyer tied on an orange vest Tuesday morning to help raise money for the hospital. He said the Valley Children's has a special place in his heart after they treated his own children. "I come here every year because I want to help the kids through Valley Children's, and it's a great event and they save a lot of lives."
If you'd like to donate from your phone you can text the word "kidsday" to 4144-4 to select a donation amount.
