This winter, the Child Life team at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is making sure every pediatric patient experiences the joy and magic of the holidays, even during their stay in the hospital.
For the second year, Child Life is creating a holiday store; “Gingy’s Gift Shop.” This shop, made up entirely of donations from organizations and members of the community, allows parents and caregivers of hospitalized children to shop for their kids, completely free of charge, without leaving the hospital. The best part? It’s kept a secret from the patients, helping spread the magic of the holidays.
“Often times, when kids are hospitalized, families sacrifice so much to be by their child’s side,” said Child Life specialist Alix Stovall, CCLS. “I love that we can give them a little something back, it’s a little normalcy in an environment of so many uncertainties. It’s so special how the community joins us in this effort, from donating toys to volunteering in the holiday store, it’s impossible to ignore all the love and support.”
Parents can also opt-in for “Santa delivery” to help add to the magic, where nurses sneak gifts into the children’s rooms after they’ve fallen asleep on Christmas Eve.
The success of Gingy’s Gift Shop wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of donors and volunteers. From supplying toys and wrapping paper to decorating the shop and stocking its shelves, every gift helps bring the store to life.
“Child Life Specialists use play to normalize the hospital environment, prepare and distract during procedures, and to teach about new diagnoses. We couldn’t do any of that without donations,” Stovall said.
While Gingy’s Gift Shop focuses on bringing holiday joy and cheer, its impact spans well beyond the holiday season. Donations of toys, games, art supplies, and electronics help stock playrooms, fill toy cabinets, provide end-of-treatment or birthday gifts, and so much more throughout the year.
“We really just want to provide a cohesive event that brings the magic of the holidays into the hospital for our patients and their families.”
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Gingy's Gift Shop Wish List
To help bring joy to children at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital this year, join us in donating to the Child Life program. Your support ensures that our youngest patients have the resources they need and can feel the warmth of the holidays, even inside the hospital.