ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) – Guthrie Corning Hospital donated more than $1,400 worth of stuffed toys to the Pediatric Department at Arnot Health.

Recently, the gift shop at Guthrie Corning Hospital closed as part of the facility’s response to COVID-19; it has since resulted in “new and improved plans for the space”, which are expected to be announced later.

In order to ensure none of the inventory went to waste, hospital officials decided to donate the toys.

Felissa Koernig, President, Guthrie Corning Hospital said, “When we looked at the inventory that we had on hand, we thought about why it was intentionally purchased - to celebrate and cheer up babies and children in our hospital, and while Corning Hospital does have a Labor & Delivery unit, we have a limited pediatric inpatient presence. Arnot’s NICU and Pediatric Unit presented an opportunity for us to not only partner with our neighboring healthcare provider, but also brighten the lives of children who may be sick or injured.”

“We appreciate this generous donation that will help comfort our young patients,” said Maureen Walker, RN, Director of the Arnot Pediatric Unit. “Our region is blessed to have healthcare systems who believe in doing what is best for our community.”

The toys will be given out on the Arnot Pediatric Unit and then sent home with the children at the end of their stay.