Riley Connect Spotlight

By: Hannah Bukowski

There are few experiences more rewarding than seeing a child’s face light up with joy. Through Riley Connect, that joy is shared every Sunday. 

Riley Connect is a volunteer program that the Hospital Relations (HR) committee has been incredibly fortunate to take part in. From April through December, volunteers spend Sunday afternoons at Riley Hospital for Children, spreading comfort, kindness, and connection through something simple yet powerful: stories.

The program centers around spending time in the hospital’s library, selecting books and movies, loading them into a cart, and then taking them to visit young patients and their families to add a little joy to their days.

“Riley Connect serves several purposes. For the kids, it’s a chance to hear a story, choose a new book or movie, or simply enjoy a short visit. For the volunteers, it’s a meaningful way to connect with patients and families while also strengthening the bond between HR and the hospital community,” Riley Connect chair, Sam Stone, said.

Sam’s favorite part of this role is getting to see others experience their first shift. There’s something special about getting to share a program that means so much to him and then seeing that moment when a new volunteer hands out their first book or sits down to read a story.

Riley Connect is more than a volunteer shift. It’s a reminder that even the smallest moments can have a lasting impact. Whether it’s a story, a smile, or a new favorite book, these volunteers are proud to be part of something that brings comfort and connection to kids when they need it most.