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A Dose of Quality Care in an Area Short on It
Children's Hospital Campaign
The Washington Post is raising money for the Children's National Medical Center. You may make a tax-deductible contribution online anytime between Nov. 17 and Jan. 9. TOOLBOX
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But the clinic's main focus is providing poor families with access to medical care. Often, people who live on the economic edge are forced to resort to costly emergency room visits when illness strikes. Harris understands why so many turn to that option.
"Most are working, and they don't want to lose their jobs," she said. "So we have adopted a policy of open access. Appointments are made for well-child checkups, but we say, 'If you have a sick child, bring 'em in.' "
She added: "We never turn away a child for insurance reasons."
How to Help
Whether it's complicated cardiac surgery or outpatient visits at a hospital-run clinic, the Children's mantra is: Never turn away a child.
Many of you have helped the hospital maintain that mission. So far, you've sent this year's campaign $56,694, on the road to our goal of $500,000 by Jan. 18.
Some gifts are group efforts. This month, the Crystal City patent law firm of Hoffman, Wasson & Gitler held its 37th annual holiday party to benefit Children's Hospital.
When senior partner Marty Hoffman started the tradition, a few people showed up with donations to socialize and nibble knishes made by his wife, Susan, and warmed up in a toaster oven. This year, the firm spent several thousand dollars on an omelet bar, cheesecake and assorted libations. A box bedecked in green foil sat near the bar, awaiting checks. By the party's end, guests had deposited $12,000.
"I said from the beginning, 'I'm not going to spend this kind of time if it's not for a good cause,' " Hoffman said. "People would say, 'Let me bring a bottle of liquor.' I'd say, 'Bring a check for Children's instead.' "
So send a check, or better yet, gather friends and colleagues and send multiple checks! Make them out to Children's Hospital and send them to Washington Post Campaign, P.O. Box 17390, Baltimore, Md. 21297-1390. Or, US Express courier service can bring them to us free. To arrange a pickup, call 301-683-9009 and tell the operator the account code is "ChildP."
To donate online with a credit card, go to http:/
To contribute by phone using Visa or MasterCard, call 202-334-5100 and follow the instructions. All gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Thank you!
Send questions or comments toreida@washpost.com.
