07/21/2026
Hi Friends❤️
We got so many cute stuffed animals this year, that we decided to do something different with them!
They are being delivered to WVU Children’s Hospital for the Child Life Program💙💛
The Child Life Program at WVU Medicine Children’s is a hospital service dedicated to helping children and their families cope with being in the hospital. The specialists are trained in child development and use play, education, and emotional support to make the experience less frightening.
Some of the things Child Life specialists do include:
* 🎨 Using toys, crafts, games, and stuffed animals to help children relax and express their feelings.
* 🩺 Explaining medical procedures in an age-appropriate way so children know what to expect.
* 💉 Helping distract children during blood draws, IV placements, or other procedures.
* 👨👩👧 Supporting parents and siblings during a child’s hospitalization.
* 🎉 Celebrating birthdays, holidays, and milestones when children are in the hospital.
The stuffed animals people donate often become:
* Comfort items for children who are admitted unexpectedly.
* Rewards after difficult procedures or surgeries.
* Gifts for children who may not have brought a favorite toy from home.
❤️ While we hope no child ever has to spend time in the hospital, we can only hope these cuddly friends help make their stay a little brighter, bring a smile during a difficult time, and remind them that their community is thinking of them.
Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this possible. Your kindness will bring comfort to children and families when they need it most. ❤️
