UAB’s Hospital Maintenance Department has worked tirelessly for 30 years to ensure that children in UAB Hospital — awaiting a transplant, fighting cancer or seeking treatment for some other disease — still experience the joys of the holidays.
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How to help: To donate to the Christmas Toy Fund, send a check payable to the UAB Maintenance Pediatric Toy Fund, 619 19th St. South, Room S036, Birmingham AL 35294. For more information, contact Reggie Robinson at 934-6181, Tabatha Issac at 934-5430 or Elaine Logan at 934-6480. |
Organizers of the 30th annual Christmas Toy Fund once again look for support from Santa’s elves among UAB employees and friends by Friday, Dec. 9 to help ensure this Christmas is extra special for children and their families who will spend the holidays in the hospital.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of this event for the past 18 years as an employee in Hospital Maintenance, and it’s a joy to be able to use your job in such a positive and uplifting way,” says Reggie Robinson, an electronic technician and director for this year’s drive. “We have kids from all over the state who come through the pediatric department, and it’s a great feeling to be able to reach out, fill an important need and be a meaningful part of their lives. You never want to miss an opportunity to bring these children and their family moments of happiness and joy. And it would not be possible without the efforts of the UAB community.”
In addition to providing gifts to hospitalized children, the toy drives helps fill the toy chest in the playroom on 5 North, says Jane Love, director of the Child Life Program. Love and her staff help reduce the stress experienced by hundreds of children and families each year and help them cope with potentially traumatic situations.
“Our playrooms have a calming effect on anxious children,” Love says. “Every day we see children — many who come in for the first time — who are afraid of the hospital and the medical staff. Once they walk into the playroom this strange place becomes a friendly one, with a dollhouse and games and wagons and cars to ride in.
“And for some of our parents, important and lasting memories of their children are made in this room,” Love says. “Child Life and the 5 North Staff are thankful for the Maintenance Department and the UAB family who support this endeavor.”
To donate to the Christmas Toy Fund, send a check payable to the UAB Maintenance Pediatric Toy Fund, 619 19th St. South, Room S036, Birmingham AL 35294. For more information, contact Robinson at 934-6181, Tabatha Issac at 934-5430 or Elaine Logan at 934-6480.
The Christmas Toy Fund celebration, which is open to all UAB employees, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 in the West Pavilion second floor atrium. The Hospital Heartbeats will be performing, Santa will make an appearance and refreshments will be served.
Help the Graduate School and Staff Council provide much-needed items to the Ronald McDonald House and Birmingham-area schools.
