Donate Toys, Art Supplies, or Personal Items

New toys, games and personal items may be donated to our children and adolescents with cancer and blood disorders. The items are largely enjoyed by patients currently staying in the inpatient unit or bone marrow transplant unit. They may also be distributed to patients visiting our outpatient clinics.

All donation drop-offs need to be scheduled so that we can ensure one of our collections staff is available to accept the items. Please see below for contact information to make an appointment.

Typically, we are most in need of items that would appeal to our adolescent patients, although there remains an ongoing need for items suitable for all ages.

Guidelines for Acceptable Donations

Toys, games, or personal items should be appropriate for a general pediatric population under 21 years of age. Since quality, safety and infection control are critical to the care of our patients, we require that all donations must be new items. We ask that donated gifts not include toy guns, remote control cars, or remote control planes, as these items may be potentially hazardous to our nurses and visitors. Large items may be accepted on a case-by-case basis, however since space is limited in our patient rooms, we request that items be appropriately sized if patients choose to enjoy the activities privately inside their rooms.

Due to the immunocompromised status of our patients, we are unfortunately unable to accept blankets and stuffed animals.

Donation of art supplies

Arts and crafts donations may be made to our Periwinkle Arts in Medicine Program. Coloring books, crayons, glue sticks and seasonal craft kits are always excellent donations. Pre-packaged craft kits for use at bedside are also appreciated, examples include activity booklets, door hangers, paper bag puppets, or seasonal crafts. Crayons must be non-toxic and Crayola brand is preferred. For a detailed list of additional needed art supplies please feel free to contact the Periwinkle Arts in Medicine Program coordinator, Carol Herron, at 832-822-1455.

Written messages

We prefer a large number of these at once (100+) so that there are plenty to share with all our patients. Written messages should be of an up-beat nature such as "hope this brings a smile to your day". Since our patients are treated for a wide variety of cancer and blood disorders, references to illnesses should be positive and non-specific to diagnosis. Messages should not include a religious theme or a "get well" note.

Holiday Donations

Due to the international and religious diversity of our patients, we request that holiday donations be non-denominational. For example, during the Easter holidays, bunnies and eggs are preferred. 

Suggestions for toys, games, or personal item donations

  • Books
  • Magazines
  • Playing cards
  • Puzzles
  • Board games
  • Video Games
  • DVDs
  • Inexpensive toys for various age groups
  • Interactive games are always appreciated by our patients. Trivia games, crossword puzzles, and connect-the-dots are examples of games that are suitable for all ages and easily transported with them throughout the hospital.

Care Kits

  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Soap
  • Disposable razors and shaving cream
  • Hairbrushes and comb
  • Lotion

​Decorative Items

Patients also enjoy decorative items to personalize their rooms. Examples of well-received items include:

  • decorative pillowcases
  • pop culture decorations
  • shower curtains
  • bath sets

Drop-Off Locations and Hours

All donation drop-offs need to be scheduled so that we can ensure one of our collections staff is available to accept the items. Please see below for contact information to make an appointment.

Texas Children's Hospital drop-off locations (Texas Medical Center—Houston, TX)

Donations to the cancer and hematology centers — To schedule an appointment, please contact Ellen Bennett at 832-822-4892. Map and directions

Donations to the general patient population at Texas Children's Hospital — To schedule an appointment, please call the Volunteer Services Office at 832-824-2257. Map and directions

West Campus Outpatient Clinic drop-off location (Katy, TX) Donations intended solely for our outpatients at Texas Children's Hospital West Campus may be dropped off by scheduling an appointment with the West Campus Volunteer Services Office. Please call 832-227-1185 to schedule a drop-off appointment. Map and directions

Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands (The Woodlands, TX) Donations intended solely for our outpatients at Texas Children's Hospital The Woodlands may be dropped by scheduling an appointment with the Woodlands Volunteer Services Office. Please call 936-267-5055 to schedule a drop-off appointment. Map and directions

Vannie Cook Children's Clinic (McAllen, TX) To schedule a drop-off appointment, please contact Victoria Guerra at 832-828-1705 or 956-661-9840 or vamartin@texaschildrens.org. Map and Directions

Questions?

If there are any questions about acceptable items for donations, please contact Child Life at 832-822-4242 or Volunteer Services for Texas Children's Hospital at 832-824-2257.