Throughout the month of May, new children’s books can be dropped off at the Sioux City Summit Dental Health location (2114 Pierce Street), the South Sioux City Summit Dental Health location (2600 Cornhusker Drive) and our Omaha locations in honor of the 6th Annual Books for Charley initiative through the Charley’s Heart Foundation. The books will be donated to St. Luke’s Hospital Pediatric Unit and Omaha Children’s Hospital.
Since it started in 2011, Books for Charley has collected over 11,000 books for children’s hospitals and pediatric units. Books for Charley is an annual book drive in memory of Charlotte (Charley) Ritchie, daughter of Matt and Kristen Ritchie. Charley was born with a congenital heart defect. After numerous hospital stays, procedures and open heart surgeries, Charley passed away on May 31, 2011, just two weeks after celebrating her first birthday.
After losing Charley, her family knew that they needed to do something to help keep her memory alive and to stay involved with other families with children with congenital heart defects. “Charley’s Heart was formed in an attempt to help provide support to others in the heart community, fund continued research for congenital heart defects, raise awareness, and above all, to celebrate Charley’s life,” says Kristen Ritchie, Charley’s mom.
“At Summit Dental Health we believe in demonstrating our values every day and in everything we do and we proudly support charities that are near and dear to our patients and team members,” says Dr. Nick Kanning, Summit Dental Health President. Dr. Hal Ritchie, a Summit Dental Health doctor, is Charley’s grandfather.
Community members are encouraged to drop off new children’s books at one of Summit’s locations. More information on Summit Dental Health is available on www.summitdentalhealth.net or by calling 402.799.1166.
For more information on Books for Charley or Charley’s Heart Foundation, visit www.charleysheart.com.
Contact: Amanda Buzzell, Communication Consultant 402.679.6170 amandabuzzell@gmail.com
