In honor of Black History Month, we're recognizing several organizations who are helping children have an easier time in the hospital. Spectrum News anchor Tara Herrschaft introduces us to this 'Everyday Hero' who created a sheet that turns a hospital bed into a playroom.
RALEIGH, N.C. — With the change of a sheet, children in the hospital can feel more like a kid again
“We want to create an environment where kids can learn how to play, learn, sleep and heal,” explained Kevin Gatlin, the creator of Playtime Adventures.
Kevin Gatlin came up with Playtime Bed Sheets after visiting a friend's son in the hospital. “My wife use to utilize our bed with our son to play board games, to do homework, because the room was small,” said Gatlin. “So it just made sense to create bed sheets that had games printed on them, so kids who couldn’t get out of bed could sit up and they could play checkers and tic tac toe. And do other interactive games as well.”
He teamed up with several African American businesses in the Triangle to donate hundreds of these sheets to Wake Med and UNC Children's Hospital.
“This gives them an opportunity to do some interactive things while in the hospital, other than just playing with electronics,” explained Ralph Frasier, with Frasier & Griffin Attorneys at Law. “They can interact with one another, they can play with one another and possibly make friends. That will make their stay better.”
“We think that this is a great opportunity for us to inspire other parents and other businesses to volunteer, to contribute to such a great cause, like this,” said Anna Freeman, with Freeman & Associates Contracting Corporation.
Gatlin, who's from Mint Hill, launched Playtime Adventures in 2014. Now, these sheets are in 10 hospitals and growing.
“It’s always great to turn around and be able to support the community and that’s why we’re here, is because we got a lot of support from the business community,” said Gatlin.
Support that's helping the youngest patients get through a tough time.
To learn more about Gatlin and the bed sheets, visit here.