- Carl Sberna, Marine Corps Veteran, Julie Jones, Director of Rehabilitation Services at TBH and Bill Cornell pose with the hand-crafted rocking horse Bill and his wife Rebecca donated to The Bellevue Hospital's pediatric therapy department.
The Bellevue Hospital’s pediatric therapy department is the home to a beautiful new rocking horse donated by Bill and Rebecca Cornell of Clyde, Ohio.
Bill, a former high school teacher who taught precision machining, built the rocking horse by hand. As someone who has always been interested in craftmanship, Bill has created several hand-crafted toys for family members and friends over the years.
About 17 years ago, The Cornells became involved with the Toys for Tots program through their friend Carl Sberna, a Marine Corps Veteran and Bellevue, Ohio resident. Sberna has been an active participant and advocate for the Toys for Tots program for years, helping with donation and fundraising efforts. The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program is a not-for-profit charity that collects new unwrapped toys and distributes the toys to less fortunate children during the Christmas season.
Bill’s passion to give back to the community has led him to create and donate wooden toys for the Toys for Tots program. Some of his creations have also been auctioned off at local events, with the proceeds being donated back to Toys for Tots. Last year, the Cornells donated 23 unique, hand-crafted rocking horses to the program and this year they donated 15 rocking horses Bill made out of pine wood.
The rocking horse recently donated to The Bellevue Hospital’s pediatric therapy department was created from oak and walnut wood, which Sberna donated to Bill .
“We are so appreciative that Carl donated this beautiful lumber for us to use for the rocking horse,” said Bill. “Because of his donation of the wood, and his continuous involvement in helping us create these toys over several years, we are donating this rocking horse to The Bellevue Hospital in Carl’s honor.”
The Bellevue Hospital’s Rehabilitation Department, located at Eagle Crest Health Park across from the hospital on U.S. Route 20, offers pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy.
“We are excited to have this new beautiful rocking horse for our pediatric therapy room. Not only will it be a useful tool we can use for our pediatric therapy patients, but it is sure to bring a smile to many children’s faces when they see it,” said Julie Jones, Director of Rehabilitation Services at The Bellevue Hospital.
“I knew this rocking horse was going to be used in a therapy setting, so I was mindful of the design when I crafted it,” said Bill. “To avoid any sharp edges, all corners have been rounded and I used sturdy lumber to ensure durability. My hope is that this rocking horse can be enjoyed by children for many years to come,” continued Bill.
For more information about The Bellevue Hospital’s pediatric therapy services, call 419.483.4040, Ext. 4279.