Mega Doctor News
A hospital setting can prove to be a frightening and stressful experience for children due to a number of factors, including unfamiliar environments and people, separation from family and a general loss of control.
But at South Texas Health System Children’s, the first dedicated children’s hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, staff understand those fears. Focused on the emotional, social and developmental well-being of hospitalized children, the facility’s Child Life Program helps reduce the stress and anxiety experienced by the patients in the hospital’s care while promoting effective coping skills to them and their family members and caregivers.
Over the years, STHS Children’s has received generous support from the community to help patients cope more effectively with hospitalization. Donations from local organizations and businesses have helped the hospital support the well-being of patients through support services, sensory equipment and patient-focused resources like therapy programming, toys and arts & crafts supplies.
In the last two years, one of those community partners, Dutch Bros Coffee, has donated nearly $12,500 – including $10,665 in 2024 – to the STHS Children’s Child Life Program through the drive-through coffee chain’s annual Buck for Kids Day, an initiative that gives back to kids in communities across the United States through donations to local youth organizations.
For the third consecutive year, Dutch Bros will donate proceeds from its Bucks for Kids Day to STHS Children’sthrough the Auxiliary to South Texas Health System, the non-profit arm of STHS, to benefit the hospital’s Child Life Program.
On Friday, September 19, STHS Children’s and the Auxiliary to STHS invite the community to take part in Buck for Kids Day by purchasing beverages at one of the 13 Dutch Bros locations in the Rio Grande Valley. The company will donate $1 from each drink sold to the STHS Children’s Child Life Program.
“Dutch Bros’ unwavering commitment to our patients has a profound impact on the lives of our young patients and their families, so we’re honored they support STHS Children’s year after year,” says Kimberly Davis, Pediatric Administrator, STHS Children’s. “Every dollar raised through the Buck for Kids Day initiative will go directly towards the purchase of new equipment, toys, games and healing-related activities aimed at supporting patient care services. The community’s support of this initiative will help change the hospital experience for our most delicate patients by helping convert a stressful situation into a more positive one.”
| To participate, simply stop by any one of the locations listed below on Friday, September 19, and buy your favorite drink: |
| • 529 N Alamo Rd, Alamo, TX 78516 |
| • 709 N FM 493, Donna, TX 78537 |
| • 4108 S Business Hwy 281, Edinburg, TX 78539 |
| • 1601 W Harrison Ave, Harlingen, TX 78550 |
| • 1109 W Expressway 83, McAllen, TX 78503 |
| • 3500 W Nolana Ave, McAllen, TX 78504 |
| • 512 N Shary Rd, Mission, TX 78572 |
| • 200 W. Mile 3 Rd., Palmhurst, TX 78573 |
| • 1621 Expressway 83, Penitas, TX 78576 |
| • 4801 E US Hwy 83, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 |
| • 1026 W Business 77, San Benito, TX 78586 |
| • 806 W Interstate Hwy 2, San Juan, TX 78589 |
| • 326 S Westgate Drive, Weslaco, TX 78596 |
STHS Children’s has been providing healing and hope to children and families in the Rio Grande Valley since 2006. To learn more about the hospital’s services, including the Child Life Program, visit www.sthschildrens.com.
For more information on Dutch Bros.’ Buck for Kids Day, www.dutchbros.com/buck-for-kids.
