Frequently Asked Questions About In Kind Gifts
What kind of donation makes the greatest impact?
Financial contributions to Blank Children's make the greatest and most immediate impact on our patients and families. Charitable gifts help start new programs, purchase life-saving equipment and provide comfort when it is needed most.
What donations is Blank Children's unable to accept?
Out of concern for safety, infection control and allergies, we are unable to accept the following donations:
- Used/previously played with toys, games or stuffed animals
- Toys that depict violence, i.e. guns, swords
- Private collections of toys, games or stuffed animals that have never been played with but have been stored away
- Latex toys, games and balloons
- Used medical equipment
- Breast milk and unused formula
- Donated hair for wigs
- Cards for patients
- Homemade treats (cookies, cupcakes, bars, etc.)
- Any snack or food items or candy, due to food restrictions of patients
Where and when can I donate items?
Donations can be dropped off at Blank Children's Hospital Blank Administration Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Blank Administration is just inside the Blank Children's Hospital Lobby.
Please fill out our in-kind donation form and bring it with you when you drop off your donation.
You can also mail your donation to the address below. Make sure to include a completed donation form.
Blank Children's Hospital
1200 Pleasant St.
Des Moines, IA 50309
Can I donate stuffed animals?
Because of our infectious control policies and immunity and allergies of many of our patients, we are unable to accept donations of new or used stuffed animals.
My Kids have some toys they've outgrown. Can Blank Children's Hospital use them?
Out of concern for safety, immunity and allergies of many of our patients, we are unable to accept donations of toys that have been previously played with or were a part of a private collection.
When I bring my donation of new toys to Blank Children's, can I wrap them?
To ensure we hand out developmentally appropriate toys, we ask that they not be wrapped. We accept new unwrapped toys.
Can I come with my kids or group to deliver directly to a patient or patients?
Due to privacy and infection control policies, we aren't able to bring community members or groups onto the hospital floors to give gifts directly to patients, host events with patients or play/read with patients.
My class or group would like to make blankets. What types and sizes work best?
Blank Children's Hospital accepts and regularly distributes blankets from quilts to tie blankets. Fleece blankets are preferred as they are non-allergenic. Fun colors and patterns are always loved by our patients. We also encourage groups to make blankets that are 5' x 5' for general pediatrics and 3' x 3' for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
My class group would like to make cards for the Blank Children's patients. Do you accept those?
Unfortunately, Blank Children's is no longer accepting cards for patients.
I'd like to donate books. Do you accept new or used books?
We accept new or gently used books.