Santa Claus visits children at UAB Hospital to deliver gifts as part of UAB Hospital's Annual Toy Fund Celebration. The Maintenance Department hosts the annual event in which hospital employees have collected donations to purchase toys and supplies for the children staying at UAB Hospital.

Through donations from UAB employees, friends and others, Hospital Maintenance has been able to provide children and their families a positive and uplifting experience during the Christmas season for 27 consecutive years.

For nearly all children, there’s nothing worse than spending Christmas in the hospital. For some sick children, like those awaiting heart transplants for example, a hospital is the only home they will have during the holidays.

UAB Child Life is a self-sustaining program set up to help patients prepare for tests and treatments, and cope with chronic illnesses and extended hospital stays. The program relies on generous donations to provide a cheerful environment with plenty of activities for UAB’s pediatric patients.

Throughout the year, the UAB Hospital Maintenance Department collects money for the fund.  Each December, the Hospital Maintenance Department throws a celebration to show their appreciation for the donations received and to give the kids a fun holiday party.