Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa will hold its annual Two Days of Compassion radiothon from 6 a.m to 6 p.m. on Dec. 8-9. The radiothon, a partnership with KJJY radio, helps fulfill the immediate needs of families who have a child in the hospital. The Compassion Fund is a designated pool of funds used by social workers to help families who are struggling. The fund can be used to provide gas cards to travel to appointments, meals for a parent who spends time in the hospital with their child, payment of bills such as phone, water and other utilities, birthday cakes for children who spend their birthday in the hospital, and care for siblings when a parent needs to stay in the hospital with an ill child. “The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the financial struggles that many families experience when their child becomes hospitalized or needs expensive medical treatment,” said Sheri McMichael, executive director of Variety – the Children’s Charity. “It’s important now more than ever to ensure the Compassion Fund is available to families to help alleviate some of their stress and to provide a little extra hope during hard times.” Donations can be made during the radiothon by calling 515-276-6669. Donations can be made anytime at the Variety website.