Red Bay High School students pack wagons for sick children

PHOTOS BY BRANDI MILLER Students at Red Bay High School work to decorate red wagons to fill with goodies for patients at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

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For the FCT

Briggs Stanfield had no idea when he made his grand entrance into the world that he would inspire students at Red Bay High School to help others.

Briggs was born one month before his due date weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce. Once he was born, he was immediately flown to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

Briggs’ dad, RBHS graduate Morgan Stanfield, noticed after being at Children’s Hospital a few days that local schools had wagons in their name in the pediatric ward.

“Morgan Stanfield, my nephew, challenged Red Bay High School to supply wagons for Children’s Hospital,” said Miranda Smith. “After Morgan called me, his dad Roho Stanfield and I started calling around to local businesses, trying to find wagons.”

Five wagons were eventually donated. Ronald Thorne at State Farm, Jason Vinson at Piggly Wiggly/ACE Hardware, True Value Hardware, RBHS HOSA, RBHS Tiger Marching Band and the Stanfield family all

made donations toward the effort.

Once the wagons were delivered to RBHS, HOSA students, the Tiger Marching Band, varsity cheerleaders and the varsity football team all spent time decorating the wagons for the children.

“Every time I have had kids come in to paint on these wagons, I told them the story behind them, and they just loved it,” said Smith. “Some have even told me about their experiences at Children’s Hospital. It has been the most uplifting experience.”

Once the wagons have been painted, the next goal is to fill them with items needed by families at the hospital: clothing, non-skid socks, underwear, disposable scrubs, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, sanitary napkins, body lotion, bath soap, mouthwash, baby wipes, gift cards to Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Target and iTunes gift cards.

The wagons will be delivered Nov. 21 when Briggs returns to Birmingham for a check up. Smith said she will be going with Briggs and his parents to deliver the wagons.

“If it takes a village to raise a child, our children are in very good hands,” said Smith. “Thank you to all who have given time, effort and materials, and thank you to the administration and faculty of RBHS for allowing students the time to paint the wagons and help with the organization.”

Anyone who wishes to help with the items going into the wagons can drop off donations at the RBHS front office.