Attention reporters and editors: Media are welcome to attend the 2023 Community Toy Drive on Dec. 3 between noon and 3 p.m. at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. Interviews will be available with hospital staff. In addition, interviews can be scheduled in advance to preview the event to encourage the community to donate. Contact Kathryn Vey at kathryn.vey@wvumedicine.org.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Children’s is asking for the community’s help to make the holidays special for its patients.
The Child Life Program is once again accepting new toys and other donations as part of the 2023 annual Community Toy Drive. It will take place on from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. 
“Each year, we are in awe of the generosity of the community,” Courtney Sweet, director of pharmacy and the Child Life Program at WVU Medicine Children’s, said. “Donations of toys, pajamas, and other needed items help us lift the spirits of the children and families in our care during the holiday season. The Child Life Program is grateful for the continued support of our mission to enhance the overall healthcare experience for patients and families.”
While the holidays are a popular time to donate to the patients at WVU Medicine Children’s, these donations will help all year round to bring joy to patients. This season, donations will be used as part of the Hospital’s “Santa’s Workshop,” which helps parents and guardians shop for their children while they are staying at the hospital.
“It’s easy to feel alone during the holidays when you’re in the hospital. Our goal is to make the season as magical as possible for children and their families,” Marisa Sayre, executive director of development, marketing, and communications for WVU Medicine Children’s, said. “Every donation makes a difference, and we encourage you to consider helping us spread the holiday joy through one of our many ways to give.”
All toy donations should be new, small-to-medium in size, and valued at $50 or less. Larger items can be hard for some families to get home once their stay is over.
Please consider patients of all ages, as donations will be accepted for newborns up to 18-years-old.
Due to infection control guidelines, food and any used items are not permitted.
Donations will not be taken at the Hospital during the holiday season to minimize visitors and keep patients safe. WVU Medicine Children’s asks that all donations be dropped off at the toy drive.
For questions, contact the Child Life Program at 304-554-8535 or ChildrensHospital@WVUMedicine.org.
Financial donations can be made online by clicking here.