December 2009 Project: Toys for Children’s Hospitals

Non-Profit Partners: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Schneider Children’s Hospital

Sponsors: Corolle, LeapFrog, Steiff, Scholastic & Klutz

Blogger Team: Debbie Bookstaber of Mamanista, Candace Lindemann of Mamanista & Naturally Educational, Veronique Christensen of Little Elephants, Sarah Peppel of Genesis Moments and DIY Frugal

More About the Project:

Bloganthropy.org bloggers, Debbie Bookstaber of Mamanista, Candace Lindemann of Mamanista & Naturally Educational, Veronique Christensen of Little Elephants, Sarah Peppel of Genesis Moments and DIY Frugal, are bringing Toy Donations from Corolle, LeapFrog, Steiff, Scholastic & Klutz to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Schneider Children’s Hospital on Long Island as part of our first project.

Children recuperating from surgery and battling illnesses benefit from play therapy and from knowing others are thinking of them. Families need to focus their energy on helping their children recover and generous individuals, organizations, and corporations can provide support in the form of products, financial contributions, and volunteer hours.

Corolle, Steiff, LeapFrog, Scholastic and Klutz have all generously donated thousands of dollars in toys as part of the effort.

Our bloggers are delivering the toys and learning more about how volunteers and donors can assist their local children’s hospitals.  Look for more about their experience, soon!

How You Can Help in Your Community

Here are some ideas about how you can help:

• Volunteer: Children’s hospitals are also always in need of volunteer entertainers, tutors, and helpers, who typically must be screened and commit to monthly volunteer hours.
• Volunteer Virtually: Some children’s hospitals have inaugurated closed-circuit television stations, that allow community members to lead craft projects, give performances, or allow the children to interview them about their careers.
• Toy Drives: Children’s hospitals welcome new, unopened toys and books for the patients and the playroom. Playgroups and other organizations can host events at area facilities, charging reduced admission in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy, and then bring the toys they collect to their local children’s hospital. Some young patients are in need of lengthy transfusions, that require them to sit at their beds for hours every month. Video games and DVDs are especially helpful for these children.Ask toy companies or local toy stores for “matching” donations.
• Fundraisers: Work with your local or online group to raise funds–many local hospitals support their programs through community donations.  Ask your local hospital about their needs, establish your fundraising goal, and speak with businesses about matching grants.
• Share Your Expertise: Many children’s hospitals are reaching out in the social media space to raise awareness about their programs and mission and also to provide pre-admission information to patients and their families.  Offer your time and talents to help children’s hospitals help their young patients.

If you have volunteered or helped out children’s hospitals, please tell us! And don’t forget to spread the word on your social media networks–this way your message goes viral.