Christmas in July: Wolfson Children’s annual toy drive yields $14,000
From sugarplums to silly putty, holiday cheer spread through the halls Wolfson Children’s Hospital on July 25 when Santa Claus made a special mid-year stop to distribute toys for Christmas in July. The 12th annual toy and donation drive, presented by Subaru of Jacksonville, lasted the entire month of July with community members donating nearly 1,000 toys. Donors gave an additional $13,960 in financial gifts to be used to purchase toys for Wolfson Children’s patients.
Subaru of Jacksonville collected toys at their showroom on Atlantic Boulevard throughout the month and delivered those with Santa. In addition to bringing thousands of dollars’ worth of toys, the dealership contributed $25,000 to support the Child Life department.
“We look forward to Christmas in July every year. The dealership, our team members, customers, and even vendors all make it a goal to fill every bin we have to the top. We are grateful to have a small part in bringing a smile to children’s faces that are at Wolfson Children’s Hospital,” said Phil Porter, Jr., executive management with Subaru of Jacksonville.
The toys are used to by Wolfson Children’s Child Life specialists and music therapists to help ease stress and anxiety in children who are in the hospital. The drive allows them to restock their toy shelves and purchase more of their most-needed items.
“Being in the hospital can be frightening for children, but these donations allow us to soothe and entertain patients while positively contributing to their recovery and healing process,” said Susan Kinnebrew, director of Family Support Services at Wolfson Children’s. “Our talented team members use these toys to help children develop cognitively and physically during their hospital stay and to understand what is happening to and around them in an unfamiliar environment. Our whole team is incredibly grateful to the community for continuing to support our patients and our caregiving efforts.”
The hospital maintains an Amazon wish list for those who wish to donate toys year-round.
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