Shoe Fairy
Duties and Responsibilities of a Shoe Fairy
(in no particular order)
- Deliver long-lasting joy, strength and happiness to a child and family, all contained in one small shoe box.
- Be silly, be goofy! Do whatever you have to do to get a smile on these kiddos’ faces. Wear something fun, like a tutu and wings (yes, even the guys!) Or, wear your PNF t-shirt and simply let your inner child shine through. You must have a willingness to just hang out and play.
- Please do not deliver if you are feeling sick, or have been recently sick. Most of these kiddos have weakened immune systems, and a small bug for us can mean serious complications for them.
- If delivering to a hospital, please give the nurses a heads up. Stop by the nurses’ station, introduce yourself, and let them know that you are a Shoe Fairy for Peach’s Neet Feet. This is your opportunity to spread the word about this amazing organization! If you are a Shoe Fairy at the same hospital more than once, the nurses will recognize you, and feel more comfortable around you during the shoe deliveries.
- Always take proper health precautions on your visit. Germ-X the heck out of your hands (it’s always good to make this part of your routine anyway). Then, wash your hands with soap and water. You may be asked to wear a mask, gloves, and gown. Ask the nurses at the nurses’ station if you need to take any additional precautions. Even if the nurses say the gloves, gown and mask are not necessary, check with the child’s parents prior to entering the room to see if they prefer you wear them as a precaution.
- Don’t overstay your welcome. Learn to pick up on cues that it might be time to leave. These kiddos and their families need their rest! It is a balancing act to make the kids feel special, yet ensuring your stay does not affect their sleep, or make them tired.
- Attempt to reach out to the parents/guardians one to two weeks prior to scheduling the shoe delivery. They may or may not be at the hospital. Some families may be at home, or a Ronald McDonald house. Follow up one or two days before the scheduled shoe delivery to ensure the time still works with the family, and that there have been no unexpected complications.
- Take pictures!! Send them to PNF so we can share the joy through Social Media. Ask mom or dad to take a photo with you and the child. (Parents have already signed a waiver agreeing to photos, but you may want to remind them).
- Stress the importance of Paying it Forward, and being kind. Encourage the parents and child to read the letter enclosed with their shoes.
Expected benefits of personal contact with the child and family
- Awareness of the disability or illness the child is battling.
- Sympathy for their pain, frustrations and anger.
- Gratefulness for our own health, and motivation to stay proactive with our health, and our family’s health.
- The amazing feeling of thankfulness for the blessings in your life, and knowing that you were able to put a smile on a child’s face. A smile that will last as long as the shoes fit!
