Reported and posted by Karen Li
On August 4, 2026, AYLUS Frisco & Plano volunteers visited Children’s Medical Center Plano for a special hospital tour and service visit led by Leonor Salgado, a staff member of Children’s Health. The visit provided an opportunity for our volunteers to learn more about the hospital, its services, and the ways community organizations can support children and families receiving medical care.
During the visit, volunteers participated in the hospital tour, listened to information about the hospital and its work, and learned more about the needs of children receiving treatment. Volunteers also had the opportunity to discuss AYLUS’s ongoing service activities with Ms. Salgado and learn how their volunteer efforts and donations have supported young patients.
AYLUS has supported Children’s Health and childhood cancer patients for several years through the Loops for Love project. Our volunteers have repeatedly crocheted and donated handmade hats and stuffed animals for children receiving treatment. These handmade gifts are created by volunteers as a way to provide comfort, encouragement, and support to young patients during a difficult time. AYLUS volunteers continued this effort in 2026, including a May donation of crocheted stuffed animals for cancer patients.
In addition to handmade donations, AYLUS has conducted numerous community fundraising activities to support Children’s Health. In 2024, AYLUS donated $10,000 to Children’s Medical Center Plano, raised through various volunteer-led fundraising activities. In 2025, volunteers continued their fundraising efforts and donated another $3,900 to Children’s Health. These fundraising activities required volunteers to organize events, set up booths, make and sell handmade items and refreshments, interact with community members, and explain the purpose of the fundraising.
The August 4 visit allowed volunteers to see more directly where their service and fundraising efforts have made an impact. By visiting the hospital and learning from its staff, volunteers gained a better understanding of the needs of pediatric patients and the importance of community support. The experience also connected their previous fundraising and handmade donation work with the children and families served by the hospital.
Overall, the visit was a meaningful service and educational experience for AYLUS members. Volunteers contributed their time to support the hospital’s community outreach, participated in the tour and discussions, and learned how continued volunteer service, fundraising, and handmade donations can help support children facing serious medical challenges.
Volunteers:
Charlotte Chen (Event leader): 3 hours
Karen Li (Event leader): 3 hours
Tianlu Zhou: 2 hours
Kevin Dong: 2 hours
