Kimberly Becker with Move Your Mountain is helping introduce “The Bright Spot,” a local initiative that will bring cheer and comfort to hospital patients recovering from surgery. Modeled after the “Grin Bin,” a program her own family utilized at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, the Great Bend program will benefit the medical and surgical unit at The University of Kansas Health System in Great Bend.
“Our mission is simple: to brighten the healing journey for patients recovering from surgery by providing a small gift bag they can take home,” Becker stated in a news release.
Each Bright Spot bag will include cheerful, comforting items to help patients feel cared for and supported during recovery.
“These bags are entirely community-funded – made possible by generous individuals like you who donate funds or small, uplifting items.”
Donations are being accepted now at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce office, 1125 Williams St.
Becker described how similar programs at other hospitals inspired her to lead this initiative.
“Over the past couple of years, I have spent countless hours sitting beside loved ones in the hospital – waiting for a port to be placed to start chemo, a tumor to be removed, a bone to be repaired, a stint or pacemaker to be put in, or a new hip or knee to be given. I’ve waited through pneumonia, sepsis, and the shock of a new diabetes diagnosis,” she said.
“Whether it’s the anxious moments before surgery, the long hours waiting to be released, or the quiet fight to keep peace of mind while healing, I have seen how heavy these days can feel. And I’ve learned that even the smallest touch of care can bring light into a difficult time.
“That is the heart behind The Bright Spot. We want to partner with the Grin Bin initiative (which blesses children in pediatrics) to expand that warmth to adults in the medical and surgical departments – offering a ‘gap fill’ of kindness. Our goal is simple: to let patients know that, as a community, we see them, we care about them, and we want to add a little sunshine to their hospital stay.
“I’m inviting you to join me in making this possible. You can partner with us by donating new items from our wish list or by giving a monetary donation so items can be purchased. Your generosity will touch the lives of people you may never meet — but your kindness will leave an everlasting mark on them.”
Examples of items they are collecting include:
• Mini adult coloring book + small pack of colored pencils (pre-sharpened)
• Compact puzzle book (crosswords, Sudoku, or word search) + mini pen/pencil
• Pocket-sized trivia or brain teaser cards
• Small puzzles
• Small paint-by-number set with mini paint pods & brush
• Small, soft lap blanket
• Fidget toys or stress balls
• Smooth worry stone or palm-sized mindfulness pebble
• Small paperback book or short story collection
• Mini pocket radio with batteries
• Blank notecards + pen for writing to friends/family
• Small gratitude journal with a short daily prompt
• Travel-size lotion or lip balm
Every donation, big or small, helps provide comfort, joy, and a sense of connection to patients during a vulnerable time. Anyone who would like to donate or learn more may contact Becker by calling 620-282-8970 or email Moveyourmountain19@gmail.com.
Items may be dropped off at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce, 1125 Williams St.
