Toy Donations
Play experiences can help children to cope and adjust to illness and hospitalization. Play is one way we meet the developmental, psychosocial, emotional and educational needs of our patients.
You can help our patients by making a donation of new toys, games, and other supplies. You can also support the Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy department by donating cash and gift cards for staff to purchase items most needed for our current patients. Read our toy and gift card FAQ, or call our Toy Donation line at 267-426-8174 for donation guidelines.
The items on our wish list are most appropriate and entertaining for children while they are hospitalized. Because many of our patients are infants and adolescents, the wish list reflects the great need for these play items.
An example of a bedside craft kit.We are also in need of craft kits that can be used with patients at the bedside. Craft kits can contain items such as foam stickers, regular stickers, small cans of play-doh, small crayon packs, coloring books and paper..
Please note: In the hospital, infections are always a risk. In order to protect our patients, all toys, stuffed animals and donated items must be new. Also, due to patient confidentiality and infection control, donors are not able to deliver gifts directly to children.
Toy donation: frequently asked questions
Q: What should I keep in mind when choosing toys and/or supplies to donate to CHOP?
A: Although our patients receive gifts during the holidays and for their birthdays, many of the donated items are also used in our playrooms and patient rooms throughout the year. Also toys made of fabric and wood are discouraged as they cannot be cleaned or used repeatedly by our patients. Durable, manageable-sized toys are most appropriate. Please refer to our wish list for suggestions.
Q: Where, when, and how do I deliver my donation?
A: If the items you are donating are new, please feel free to drop them off at the information desk in the main lobby between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Feel free to pull up to the loading zone in front of the hospital to drop off your donation. If you need directions, visit our Directions, Maps and Parking page. When you arrive, be sure to ask the receptionist for a “Donor Form.” Please take a moment to complete this form before leaving your donation.
Q: What about used toys?
A: Unfortunately, due to infection control and the safety of our patients, we are only able to give out newly purchased items.
Q: May I deliver my gift directly to the patients?
A: We apologize, but because of concerns for patient confidentiality and infection control, our donors are not allowed to deliver gifts directly to patients.
Q: Will someone pick up my donation?
A: Due to staffing and transportation limitations, CHOP is not able to pick up your donation. Donations may be mailed to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department, 34th Street and Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
Q: May I donate sporting or other event tickets to patients and families?
A: We welcome ticket donations. The Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department will distribute the tickets to the families. Call 215-590-2001 to make arrangements. Please note, due to patient confidentiality tickets should be sent to the Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department for distribution to families. Patients' names cannot be given for ‘will call’ pick up.
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- 215-590-2001
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