July 22, 2026
St. Mary’s Hospital for Children is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $2,500 Children’s Hospital Play Grant from The Toy Foundation to support therapeutic play and child life activities for children and young adults receiving care on our hospital campus. The funding will enable our child life specialists to purchase toys, games, and other activity supplies that bring comfort, joy, and meaningful engagement to patients during their stay.
The Toy Foundation’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program helps pediatric hospitals nationwide harness the power of play to reduce stress, promote emotional well-being, and enhance the patient experience. St. Mary’s was selected as a 2026 grant recipient in recognition of its commitment to providing compassionate, family-centered care to children with complex medical needs.
At St. Mary’s, the Child Life Program plays a vital role in helping patients cope with hospitalization, rehabilitation, and medical treatments through therapeutic recreation, educational opportunities, creative arts, and age-appropriate play experiences. These services help address the social, emotional, and developmental needs of children while fostering self-expression, connection, and positive engagement throughout their healthcare journey.
Funding from The Toy Foundation will strengthen these efforts by providing enriching activities and resources that bring a sense of normalcy, comfort, and happiness to medically complex children. As an essential part of childhood and a valuable therapeutic tool in pediatric healthcare, play helps promote healing, resilience, and overall well-being.
St. Mary’s is grateful to The Toy Foundation for its generous support and shared commitment to improving the lives of children through the transformative power of play. Together, we can create meaningful experiences that help patients and families navigate healthcare challenges with greater comfort, confidence, and hope.
