Wolfson Children’s Christmas in July, presented by Subaru of Jacksonville, is once again accepting donations this year, giving people the ability to spread joy and support Wolfson Children’s Hospital patients through a variety of donation options. The annual month-long toy and donation drive ensures all patients at Wolfson Children’s have the comfort of toys and a reason to smile as they navigate procedures and treatments. Donations are being accepted through July 31.
Members of the community can browse Wolfson Children’s Amazon wish list for toys specially requested by the Wolfson Children’s Child Life team or make a financial gift at ChristmasJuly.com. This year, the Child Life team is placing an emphasis on sensory toys and gift card donations in small increments, which are used as rewards for teens and as assistance for patient parents. Requested gift cards include Starbucks, UberEats, Publix and more. For more information, go to ChristmasJuly.com.
Community members who wish to can drop off new, unwrapped toys at Subaru of Jacksonville, 10800 Atlantic Blvd., through Monday, July 24, at 4 p.m. Gift card drop-offs can be scheduled directly with the Family Support Services department at calendly.com/wolfsonchildlifedepartment or they can be sent electronically to Child.Life@bmcjax.com.
Toys are an integral part of the healing and understanding process for patients of all ages at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Children learn through play, so toys, art activities and musical instruments not only instill a sense of normalcy and comfort, but also help babies and younger children continue to develop on track during hospital stays.
At Wolfson Children’s, certified Child Life specialists and Master’s-prepared music therapists use toys and instruments as tools to help children understand their conditions and prepare for medical procedures such as blood draws and MRIs. By easing stress and anxiety, they help kids gain a sense of control in the hospital and emergency department environments. Christmas in July allows Child Life specialists and music therapists to restock their toy shelves and identify their most-needed items, which this year includes sensory toys.
