Santa swaps snow for sunshine during annual Christmas in July visit

The summer heat took a backseat at Wolfson Children’s Hospital last week as Santa Claus made his annual visit to deliver toys collected during the hospital’s Christmas in July toy and donation drive. Now in its 14th year, the monthlong campaign, supported by Subaru of Jacksonville, filled the hospital with cheer, thanks to the community's generosity. Santa’s visit on July 30, 2025, marked a meaningful close to this year’s campaign which brings year-round joy for young patients and their families.

During this year’s Christmas in July, Jacksonville community members donated more than 700 toys. Additionally, generous donors gave over $18,000 in financial gifts. The funds will be used to purchase toys for patients at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Subaru of Jacksonville collected toys at their showroom on St. Johns Bluff Road throughout the month and delivered them with Santa. In addition to thousands of dollars' worth of toys from the community, staff and ownership, the dealership contributed $25,000 to support the Family Support Services department.

“Wolfson Children’s Hospital does incredible work caring for kids and families during some of their toughest and scariest moments,” said Phil Porter Jr., executive management at Subaru of Jacksonville. “We’re proud to support their efforts to ensure there are always toys on hand to bring comfort, ease anxiety and create a little joy during a hospital visit.”

The certified child life specialists and music therapists at Wolfson Children’s Hospital utilize toys and musical instruments to support children as they navigate medical procedures, such as blood draws and MRIs. These tools help reduce fear and anxiety, giving young patients a greater sense of comfort and control during their hospital stay or emergency department visit. The Christmas in July toy drive helps replenish essential supplies, allowing staff to prioritize the most-needed items and enhance each child’s experience.

“Thanks to Subaru of Jacksonville and this incredible community, we’ve packed my sleigh with toys and smiles to last all summer long. Seeing the joy on these kids’ faces at Wolfson Children’s Hospital —that’s the real magic of Christmas in July,” said Santa Claus.

Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, said, “At Wolfson Children’s Hospital, caring for kids includes supporting the emotional well-being of every child we serve. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Subaru of Jacksonville and our community, the Christmas in July toy drive brings joy, comfort and healing to our young patients. These donations help our child life and music therapy teams make hospital stays a little brighter as they ease anxiety and lift spirits. Together with our community's support, we’re making a real difference in the lives of children and families when they need it most.”

New this year, Foxtail Coffee Co. participated in a one-day giveback on Wednesday, July 30, benefiting Wolfson Children’s Christmas in July campaign. Ten percent of net sales across all five Northeast Florida locations were donated to support Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Participating Foxtail locations included San Marco, Sawgrass Village, Palms at Gate Parkway, Wildlight and Jacksonville Beach.

Those who wish to donate toys year-round can do so by visiting the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Amazon wish list. To make a financial contribution to Wolfson Children’s Hospital throughout the year, which allows our child life and music therapy teams to purchase the toys and musical instruments that are needed most, please visit WolfsonChildrens.com/Give.