Giving Toys and Gifts during COVID-19

In response to the global outbreak of COVID-19, some changes have been made to our donation process. If you are interested in donating toys and activities to children and families at Blank Children's, please check out our Amazon Registry and Target Registry for items that would be most helpful during this time. By using our Wish Lists, this provides a no contact option for donating items to Blank Children's Hospital. 

We are now able to accept in person donations by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call (515) 241-6152 prior to making or purchasing donations to speak with a team member regarding current needs of our patients and families. Once you're ready to donate items, please call us to set up an appointment. Masks must be worn during the time of drop off.

If you have questions or need assistance navigating the Wish Lists, please call (515) 241-6152 or e-mail DM_childlifewishlist@unitypoint.org. 

Giving Toys and Gifts

Thank you for supporting Blank Children's Hospital! It can be difficult for children and families to spend time in the hospital, but special toys and activities can help ease the stress. Your donation of new toys, crafts and other items for children of all ages makes their hospital stay more fun!

Want us to do the shopping?

The needs of the hospital are continually changing. If you want to help and are flexible in the way you give, let our expert staff handle the shopping!  Your monetary donations allow Child Life to purchase toys, crafts, books and games that meet the patients' needs based on age and hospital appropriateness.  You can make a gift online now.

What's on our wish list?

At Blank Children's we need items for children of all ages – from infants through teens. We have compiled Wish Lists to provide guidance on toys and gifts needed throughout the hospital and clinics. These items are used by Child Life, Pediatric Therapy, SHINE program and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

Donation Guidelines

You can help us support the health and safety of our patients by reviewing and following the guidelines below. 

• All donated items must be new. Used toys and items can be donated to The Not New Shop, which benefits Iowa Lutheran Hospital. 

• Due to infection control concerns, we do not accept stuffed animals of any kind (new or used).

• We also do not accept gently used items (except for gently used books) or items that have been stored for a long period of time.

• Gifts may not contain Latex, including duct tape.

• Gifts cannot have violent themes. 

• We cannot accept candy or food. Patients may have dietary restrictions or allergies. 

• Do not include information about a business or nonprofit organization with each donated item. We have dedicated spaces to place a flyer or brochures should families want to learn more.

• Please know that donors are unable to deliver gifts directly to patients and we cannot provide photos of patients with the donated items. We do this to respect the privacy and safety of patients and families. Our Child Life team distributes the gifts with great care to ensure appropriateness for each patient. 

• NEW in 2020: We want to honor the wishes of our donors, but we are unable to accept items that contain information identifying past or present patients. This includes but is not limited to the patient's name, birth date, photo(s) and story or care experience. Thank you for your sensitivity to the current patients and families. 

• For more details, view our Frequently Asked Questions about Giving.

We appreciate your generosity! By following these guidelines, you can help make a difference for children and teens at Blank Children's!

Delivering Your Donation

During this time of COVID-19, there are two options for donating toys, clothes and other items to Blank Children's Hospital. 

• Items can be ordered from our Wish Lists which will be sent directly to Blank Children's Hospital
• If items are already in hand, please call our Child Life team at (515) 241-6152 to schedule an appointment for drop off. *You must have an appointment in order to drop off any items. Masks must be worn during the time of drop off.

We request that a Donor Form be completed with each donation. This can be done in advance through our online form or by printing a hard copy form to fill out and bring with your donation. 

Please know that due to patient confidentiality, infection control and COVID-19, donors are unable to deliver the items directly to patients.

Mailing Your Donation

Donations can always be mailed to Blank Children's Hospital at the address below. Be sure to include your Donor Form!

Blank Children's Hospital
Attn: Child Life
1200 Pleasant Street
Des Moines, IA 50309

Questions?

For questions about donating toys, contact our Child Life donation team. 

Email: DM_childlifewishlist@unitypoint.org

Phone: (515) 241-6152