"Work of Heart" or where the art is/Shriners and KMIX 107.9 Saturday Feb.7

By Becca Collard

Last Saturday, Shriners Hospital for Children teamed up Mix 107.9 for the Mix Care for Kids event at Layton Hills Mall. Children of all ages gathered together in an attempt to begin a pay-it-forward movement. The afternoon was spent cutting, pasting, gluing, and coloring all sorts of Valentine's Day cards that are going to be taken to children at Shriners Hospital. The children will then have the opportunity to give the cards to the members of the healthcare community who have helped them.

Shriners does different things for each major holiday that allow children and parents to become involved, and have a chance to help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. This was the first time that Shriners has promoted an event with a radio station. Involving the radio station allowed the Hospital to reach out to a much larger demographic than it normally would.

Mix 107.9 DJ Jay Parker said, "We do anything we can to try and help out." Each month, Mix 107.9 holds an event called The Mix Care for Kids, the purpose of which is to find different ways to get children involved in charity work, and try to make a difference in the community. It also aims to give parents a chance to show their children the rewards of performing community service.

Jennifer, a mother from Cottonwood, said, "It's something good to do." Jennifer said she brought her nine-year-old son out to enjoy event because she felt that she spoils him, and wanted him to do something good for someone in need. Jennifer told her son about the children who will receive the cards, and how many of them are too sick to make their own Valentine's Day cards.

"I came to make sure the kids who are sick feel good on Valentine's Day," said Jet, an eight-year-old who came out with his mom and younger brother to participate. Jet was proud to say that he helped those in need.

Shriners Hospital Director of Public Relations Mike Babcock said, "It's all about thanking and making sure everyone who helps with the healthcare of the child gets something."

"It's a work of heart," said Babcock.

Shriners Hospital and Mix 107.9 will hold another event this coming Saturday, February 7 at South Towne Mall in Sandy from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hearts will then be delivered to Shriners Hospital and handed out by children there.