S. S. Dixon Brings the Gift of Reading to Patients at Ascension Sacred Heart

At Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation, we are always seeking ways to bring joy and connection to our patients, especially during the holidays. This holiday season, we had the honor of welcoming a group of remarkable young readers from S. S. Dixon Intermediate School. Their visit turned out to be even more special than we could have hoped for.

Through the school’s Accelerated Reader (AR) program, the top readers were rewarded with a unique opportunity to visit our hospital. Students spent time reading books to our patients and creating holiday cards filled with words of encouragement. What started as a day of reading and crafting became so much more—it became a meaningful opportunity for connection and joy.

As the students read to our patients, the room was filled with laughter, smiles, and the warmth only children can bring. One patient, who had been in the hospital for months, shared how much she had been longing for social interaction with kids her own age. She told us, “I’ve missed being around kids my age, and today was exactly what I needed.”

That moment was truly unforgettable. It reminded us that these young students were doing more than just making cards and reading—they were offering companionship, a sense of normalcy, and a spark of joy that was deeply needed by our patients.

For the patient who expressed such heartfelt words, this visit wasn’t just another activity—it was a meaningful connection that brightened her day and reminded all of us just how powerful small acts of kindness can be in healing hearts.

We are beyond grateful to the SS Dixon students for their hard work, compassion, and generosity. Your kindness made a lasting impact, and we can’t thank you enough.