Toy and gift donations
Our unique approach to care is based on treating the "whole child," and we rely on the contributions of generous people like you to make each child's hospital stay more comfortable, more interesting and more therapeutic.
The how-to on how to donate toys
- Need suggestions? We accept only new toys and gifts – please see our toy wish list.
- Thinking of wrapping your gift? While we appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity, please leave toys unwrapped so it is easy for us to quickly identify and share them with patients.
- Sending your gift? Please mail to Teri Foster, 2300 Children's Plaza,
Box 31, Chicago, IL 60614-3393.
- Dropping off your toy? Please bring all gifts to the main hospital lobby, any day of the week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Get maps and driving directions.
- Giving around the holidays? Please note there is no deadline for holiday gifts, as toys we receive in December help us throughout the year. And if giving in December, please consider a weekend delivery, when the main hospital lobby is less congested.
More ways you can help
- Give now, and note your gift is to support patient play programs
- Plan an event to help support our patients and families
- Make a tribute gift in honor or in memory of a patient, friend or loved one
- Provide financial assistance to families who are experiencing extreme financial hardship due to their child's illness through the Emergency Fund
- Purchase gift certificates for food, clothing and other items for our families in need through
Partners with Parents
- Share non-perishable food items, travel size toiletries, non-aerosol cleaning products and more with our home-away-from-home for transplant families, Kohl's House
The Emergency Fund
The Emergency Fund provides assistance to families experiencing extreme financial hardship due to their child's illness. The Emergency Fund helps with clothing, utilities, transportation cost and other essentials. Funds are carefully allocated with a full evaluation of the family's needs on a case-by-case basis. Support for families during their time of need contributes greatly to the health and well-being of the child who is ill. Give now, and note your gift is for the Emergency Fund. Or mail your contribution to:
Social Work Manager/Emergency Fund
Children's Memorial Hospital
2300 Children's Plaza, Box 130
Chicago, IL 60614-3393
Partners with Parents
A child's illness can devastate a family's finances. Your donation of gift certificates to local stores can help parents of very limited means provide a holiday celebration for their families. Donated gift certificates are distributed to selected families by hospital staff. Give now, and note your gift is for Partners with Parents. Or send gift certificates for moderately priced, easily accessible toy, clothing and food stores to:
Susan Ruohonen/Parents with Partners
Children's Memorial Hospital
2300 Children's Plaza, Box 131
Chicago IL 60614-3393
Kohl's House
Kohl's House is a home-away-from-home for transplant patients and their families while in treatment at Children's Memorial, and needs non-perishable food items, travel size toiletries, non-aerosol cleaning products, coupons for casual restaurants, pizza, and grocery stores within walking distance of Children's Memorial, movie rental coupons, moderately priced department store gift coupons, and magazine subscriptions. For more information, including volunteer opportunities at Kohl's House, call 773.975.8881.
Suggested gift card options for Kohl's House include:
More questions about giving? Read our frequently asked questions.