The toy drive isn't limited to Tuesdays at the pediatric facility. Mccallk69/Dreamstime.com

By Jayk Sterkenburg

IN THE COMMUNITY

Health foundation’s ‘Toybox Tuesday’ drive aims to bring comfort to Medicine Hat’s pediatric ward

Nov 4, 2024 | 4:14 PM

The Medicine Hat Health Foundation has kicked off a new charity drive to help the children staying in the hospital’s pediatric ward feel more comfortable and at ease.

The Toybox Tuesday program, named by the pediatrician department at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, aims to collect certain toys the kids have asked for.

Sue Edwards, the operations coordinator for the foundation, said that when kids come to the hospital, it can be intimidating and lonely for them.

They aren’t always provided with what they want or need to keep preoccupied.

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Edwards said she doesn’t want the name of the drive to be misleading.

“Stop by our office, come in and say hi, and yeah, we accept them five days a week. It doesn’t have to be on a Tuesday, we just like the handle Toybox Tuesdays,” Edwards told CHAT News.

“They’re more than welcome to drop by the hospital, we’re located in the hospital right inside the ambulatory care wing, or they could call us and arrange for a drop off. We can always meet them out in the parking lot if they have some toys.”

This Tuesday will mark the second week of the drive, as it continues through to the end of the year.

The list changes every week and those interested in donating are asked to check the foundation’s social media — like its Facebook page — to get the updated list.

This week the foundation is asking for Lite Brite Glow on the Go Clip-On, Simy Sensory Poppers, Barbie Mashems, Jurassic World Mashems, and Kid Connections Little Unicorn Trio.

It can be a group effort to donate the toys, Edwards said.

“Maybe there’s a classroom in a school, maybe you have a sports team that wants to do something for those less, you know, fortunate at Christmas time, or your family wants to do a donation, or even a group of friends you want to get together and make a donation with to ToyBox Tuesdays.” she suggested.

Toybox Tuesdays presents the perfect opportunity to give back over the holiday season, she said.