Q: What should I keep in mind when choosing toys and/or supplies to donate to The Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai?

• A: Although our patients receive gifts during the holidays and for their birthdays, many of the donated items are also used in our playrooms, for parties, and in patient rooms throughout the year. Durable, manageable-sized toys are most appropriate. Toys made of fabric and wood are discouraged as they cannot be cleaned or used repeatedly by our patients. Please refer to our Wish List for suggestions.

Q: What about used toys?

• A: Unfortunately, due to infection control and the safety of our patients, we are only able to give out newly purchased items with tags.

Q: What else should I avoid donating?

• A: We CANNOT accept:
  
  
  • Spark-producing toys due to fire regulations
  • Latex (or rubber) balloons and materials because of latex allergy precautions and other safety factors
  • Art for display in the hospital
  • Religious or Denominational materials
  • Toys made of glass or brittle plastic
  • Items with violent, frightening or adult-rated themes. This includes video games
  • Toys that can break or have sharp edges – toys should be sturdy
  • Used or gently used medical equipment and supplies
  
  **Although the "dollar or discount stores" have bargains, sometimes the safety standards and overall quality don’t meet national safety requirements.

Q: How many toys or items should I donate or collect?

• A: Because of the nature of the medical setting, the Child Life Program cannot provide you with the exact number of pediatric patients that will be in the hospital on the day of your gift donation. We will be happy to give you an estimated count for donation planning, projects or collections. Please keep in mind, the number of patients can often change significantly overnight as new patients are continually admitted to the hospital and others are discharged. In addition, children also receive care on an outpatient basis in many other areas of the hospital. You may wish to include these children in your gift donation.

Q: May I deliver my gift directly to the patients?

• A: We regret that because of concerns for patient confidentiality and infection control, our donors are not allowed to deliver gifts directly to patients.

Q: Can I write a personal card to be delivered to each patient?

• A: We are grateful for your well wishes and sentiments and we can share one letter to all current patients and it can be displayed in the Child Life Playroom for all to read. We cannot deliver individual cards. Please keep in mind our patients come from all religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Q: Where, when, and how do I deliver my donation?

• A: If the items you are donating are new, please feel free to first call Child Life and arrange a Children’s Hospital lobby drop off at the information desk in the Children’s Hospital Lobby from Monday – Sunday, during the hours of 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All gifts should remain unwrapped for easy identification and distribution among appropriate ages and gender. If your resources allow, consider having a few extra gifts on hand for siblings visiting at the hospital.

  Child Life 410-601-5863
  Email Childlife@lifebridgehealth.org
  
  Items need to be new, sturdy, and delivered unwrapped.

Q: Will someone pick up my donation?

• A: Due to staffing and transportation limitations, The Samuelson Children’s Hospital staff is not able to pick up your donation. Donations may be delivered to our lobby or mailed to:
  

  The Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai
  Child Life Services- CHC 3
  2401 W. Belvedere Ave
  Baltimore, MD 21215

Q: Can my child or school do a fund raising project or collection?

• A: Yes, we are always thrilled to have students, and schools from the Baltimore community support our hospital. Please email giving@lifebridgehealth.org to get more information regarding, individual projects, fund raising projects, school projects and collections.

Q: Will I get acknowledgement if we make a gift or gift in-kind donation?

• A: Yes, all gifts and donations are formally recognized. You will receive an official letter in the mail following the delivery of your donation. Online gifts will receive a letter within two weeks.

Q: Can I make a donation online?

• A: Yes, please go to www.lifebridgehealth.org/donatenow

Q: Are there other ways I can support The Samuelson Children’s Hospital?

• A: Yes, the LifeBridge Health Department of Development accepts gifts to support the on-going patient care, programmatic and technological needs of The Samuelson Children’s Hospital. For more information on how your gift can make a difference, please contact the Development office at 410-601-4438.