How we use donations with our patients

Toys, games and art supplies help our Kohl's Child Life Program staff make coming to the hospital easier for kids. Some children who stay at the hospital are anxious or afraid. Others must be here for along time. Your gifts make children smile!

We use donations in many different ways:

To comfort children who are sad or scared.
To distract children as they wait for and during procedures.
To calm children after procedures.
To keep children busy and entertained.
To celebrate special days, such as a birthday or the last day of treatment.

Here's how we use some of the items donated most often

Stuffed toys
Recovery room staff put stuffed animals in kids' beds so they wake up after surgery with a new friend to hold. We also place stuffed toys in kids' rooms to greet them when they are admitted.

Blankets
Kids of all ages get comfort from blankets. They offer security, warmth and something to snuggle.

Games
Playrooms on each floor contain games to entertain patients and their siblings.

Arts and crafts
Kids love all kinds of crafts, and they use their creations to decorate their hospital rooms. Our art therapist uses crafts at the bedside and during group art time. These projects also are great gifts for children who are in isolation.

DVDs and video games
Families can check out movies and video games to use in their hospital rooms.

Books
Carts filled with books are located throughout the hospital and clinics to help families pass the time. We encourage kids to take a book home with them, so we distribute about 10,000 books a year.