Christmas in July Toy and Donation Drive collects more than 3,800 toys and thousands in monetary donations for patients at Wolfson Children’s Hospital

Santa delivered some of the toys donated by the community to children yesterday, and the hospital is stocked as well.

This month, community members, families, Baptist Health employees and organizations across Northeast Florida and beyond donated more than 3,800 new toys for patients of all ages hospitalized at Wolfson Children’s Hospital during the annual Christmas in July Toy and Donation Drive. Of those, 1,765 were collected during today’s Christmas in July collection event; others have been dropped off throughout July. The value of these toys is estimated to be approximately $38,720, and the drive has brought in $9,361 in financial donations so far. Giving continues on ChristmasJuly.com until July 31, and year-round on the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Amazon registry.

People with toy donations dropped them off with Santa Claus and Wolfie, the hospital’s mascot, outside the entrance to Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Santa delivered a toy to the room of each patient the morning of Christmas in July, and the rest will be used throughout the year. Child Life specialists will use the donated toys and art supplies to help children process being in the hospital, to teach them about their treatments and to distract them from discomfort or anxiety.

“We are grateful to be part of a community that cares for our patients as much as we do,” said Michael D. Aubin, president of Wolfson Children’s. “Thank you to everyone who went out of their way to support our patients through this toy and donation drive. Our Child Life specialists do an incredible job of helping children cope through play. These toys are essential for them to care for our patients effectively.”

Pat Kirkland, CCLS, Family Support Services manager, said, “Our team truly appreciates everyone who felt inspired to donate during Christmas in July. The toys and activities will help us care for our patients’ emotional needs while they get better. We would also like to extend sincere thanks to Jersey Mike’s Subs for their support as a sponsor again this year. They dropped off trucks full of toys they collected in their stores all month long.”

To make a contribution to Wolfson Children’s Hospital throughout the year, please visit wolfsonchildrens.org/ways-to-give.