ROANOKE, Virginia. – Combating the hospital blues is the goal of a nearly $8,000 grant from the Toy Foundation awarded to Carilion Children’s.

The grant will help launch “Fun on Wheels,” which includes two mobile play carts filled with creative, educational and therapeutic activities for adolescent patients.

Staff at Carilion Children’s say older patients often feel left out.

“We receive a lot of things to support our younger children. Barbie dolls, teddy bears… and that doesn’t amuse a teenager as much.

“Teenagers go through just as much difficulty as our young children do when they have health problems or unexpected hospital admissions, so it’s very important to just recognize their presence and their presence as unique, individual people.”

The new mobile cart will include a 3D printer, electric keyboard, mini microphone and recorder, mini drone, art supplies and much more.