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A hospital stay can be scary for a child. The right toy can make a big difference.
Through the Heroes & Helpers Toy Drive, you can help Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialists provide toys and activities that do more than entertain. These specially selected items help children understand what’s happening, cope with medical procedures and feel more comfortable during their care.
Raise Money for Toys
When you raise funds for Heroes & Helpers, you're giving our Child Life Specialists the flexibility to purchase the right toys for the right needs throughout the year.
From a teddy bear that helps a child understand how an IV will be placed, to a game that provides a much-needed distraction, these aren't just toys. They're tools that help make healthcare a little less scary.
Your Donation in Action
$150
Infant Activities: Our tiniest patients benefit from books being read to them, rattles, teething rings, stuffed animals, blankets, mobiles and more!
$250
Developmental Toys: Help patients reach milestones throughout the duration of an inpatient stay. These toys are also used in outpatient settings, for example in Physical Therapy as seen here.
$500
Therapeutic Toys: Also known as play with purpose, help kids learn about tests, surgeries and medical procedures in an age-appropriate way.
Become a Sponsor
When your company sponsors the Heroes & Helpers Toy Drive, you're doing more than supporting a holiday toy drive. You're helping Connecticut Children’s Child Life Specialists give kids comfort, confidence and opportunities to cope during some of their most difficult moments.
At the same time, you're giving your employees and customers a meaningful way to see your company making a difference in the community.
Coordinate Your Own Toy Collection
Bring your team together for a hands-on way to support Connecticut Children's. Collect new, unwrapped toys from our Child Life wish list at your office, school or organization, then bring your donations to our Heroes & Helpers drop-off event on Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12, 2026 at our warehouse in East Hartford.
