Keeping kids and teens entertained while they’re in the hospital makes them smile and aids in their well-being. No one knows this more than a parent bringing their child in for surgery, therapy, treatment or follow-up visits.
For the sixth year, Wolfson Children’s Hospital is calling on the community to help make sure there are enough toys and activities for patients ranging in age from infants to teenagers.
“Keeping kids entertained and busy while they’re in the hospital makes them happy and helps them grow,” said Family Support Services Manager Pat Kirkland, MS, CCLS, who oversees Child Life services. “Toys and activities not only create a fun distraction from treatments and procedures, but they also allow kids to engage in activities that normalize their time here.”
Wolfson Children’s Hospital makes it even easier to ensure all patients have toys and other activities to help make their stay more comfortable. While July 25th marks the main event, there are multiple ways you can help out all month long!
Four Ways to Participate
Donate Online
Visit ChristmasJuly.com to make a tax-deductible gift. Online donations are extremely helpful because they allow Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital to order age-appropriate items as needed throughout the whole year.
Shop on Amazon
Not sure what to buy? Wolfson’s Child Life team created a registry of toys needed most. Pick out an item and Amazon will ship it directly to the hospital! Go to Amazon’s baby registry and search “Wolfson Children’s Hospital.”
Start a Facebook Fundraiser
Use Facebook to share information about Christmas in July with your network of friends and family across the world. Companies and local groups can create a “virtual toy bin” for employees, customers, and members. Go to Wolfson’s Facebook Fundraiser page to get started.
Bring a Toy
Prefer to handpick your toys and drop them off? No problem! Pick out new toys that are entertaining but also easy to clean. Toys that can be played with in bed are especially wonderful for children who aren’t able to be up and moving around. Toys that bring the biggest smiles: infant/toddler toys, LEGOs for all ages, card games, and art supplies.
Drop-Off Locations
- Now through July 24, 2017 at Jersey Mike’s Subs’ Jacksonville locations
- Main Drop-Off Event is Tuesday, July 25, 2017, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Rotunda (Circular Driveway)
For more information, visit ChristmasJuly.com.
