The holidays were merry and bright for hospitalized kids at UC Davis Children's Hospital, thanks to the $27,740 that was raised during the Virtual Toy Drive in 2024. Donors also purchased 300 toys and other wish list items from the hospital's Amazon wish list, ahead of the holidays, which were delivered directly to the hospital.
The toy drive provided free toys for every hospitalized child, from infants through teens. Toys were also given to pediatric patients in the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center's pediatric infusion room as well as to children at the Glassrock Clinic and the MIND Institute.
Additional funds will be used to support pediatric patients throughout 2025, providing toys, art supplies, music supplies, treasure box prizes and giveaways during their hospitalization as well as visits to the Comprehensive Cancer Center, Glassrock Clinic and MIND Institute. Children who celebrate their birthday in the hospital will also receive gifts, thanks to the generosity of donors.
"The outpouring of generosity each year is truly remarkable," said Diana Sundberg, UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department manager. "Thanks to the unwavering support from our community, our department can create a magical holiday season filled with gifts, joy, and activities for all. This year, we brought smiles to 130 families with children undergoing medical treatment. Words cannot fully capture our gratitude for the kindness and compassion of those who make this possible!"
For those who did not have a chance to donate and would like to make a contribution, the child life fund is still accepting donations. The child life team also has a year round Amazon wish list.
