Grand Rapids
Serving:
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Grand Rapids began in February 2023 with a simple promise: to surround hospitalized children with care, color, and comfort when they need it most. Our all-volunteer team transforms hospital rooms into cheerful, personalized spaces for kids undergoing long-term treatment. Each makeover is designed to lift spirits, spark imagination, and offer a sense of stability during an overwhelming time.
Beyond decorating, we show up for families and hospital staff in meaningful ways. We stock the family area at Helen DeVos, deliver activities and support to child life specialists, and partner with hospitals to meet emerging needs on the unit. Every room we touch and every item we replenish is powered by the generosity of our community.
Our mission is to make every child feel seen, supported, and soothed through their surroundings. By creating warm and welcoming spaces, we aim to ease the emotional weight of hospitalization and bring moments of joy to children and their families right here in Grand Rapids. Check out our magic on social media below.
Instagram: @OnceuponaroomGR
“This is the happiest day of my life”-Jenny Pam
Jenny Pam received her very own Toy Story room makeover at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Every patient also gets to experience their very own “room reveal.”
In The News
Caregiver Bags
Our caregiver bags are a small but meaningful way we wrap support around the parents and family members who stay at their child’s bedside. Each bag includes comforting essentials like toiletries, a soft blanket, a crossword puzzle book, a journal, and a reusable water cup, all chosen to offer a moment of ease during incredibly stressful days. These bags are made possible through the generosity of our community — local businesses, offices, schools, churches, and service groups who host hospitality collection drives on our behalf. By rallying together, we make sure every caregiver feels seen, supported, and cared for while their child heals.
Our Special Project-
Feed the Families
We provide snacks for families at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. We also bring This provides caregivers and siblings staying with patients access to snacks and treats! If your group is interested in helping stock the pantry, please reach out below!
Each month, we support the Child Life Specialist Teams at the Hospital with treats and surprises!
Mother’s Day Event
Once Upon a Room Grand Rapids hosts a heartfelt Mother’s Day event each year at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to support moms spending the holiday at their child’s bedside.
We create a comforting space filled with friendship bracelet making, food and drinks, beautifully curated raffle baskets, and thoughtful care packages for every mom. It’s a chance for these incredible women to pause, connect with one another, and feel seen and celebrated during an especially difficult season.
If you’d like to support this initiative, donations of care items help us continue to show these moms they’re not alone.