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Pediatrics Department Launches Toy Drive

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Antelope Valley Medical Center (AVMC) is requesting toy donations to bring joy and comfort to sick and injured children staying in its pediatric unit. Donated toys will be used in the hospital’s playroom, for therapy and at the child’s bedside. For infection control reasons, items must be new.

Toys that are in particularly high demand include:

  • Teddy bears and other stuffed animals
  • Coloring books and crayons or markers
  • Puzzles
  • Planes, trains and automobiles
  • Lego sets
  • Xbox one video games
  • Building blocks
  • Play-doh
  • Infant and toddler toys
  • Board games
  • Teen activity sets

(No toys with violent themes, please.)

"Being in the hospital can be especially difficult for children and teens," said Maribel White, AV Hospital’s child life assistant. "Having an ample selection of age-appropriate toys and activities helps reassure our young patients and brings a smile to their faces."

Toys may be dropped off at the front desk inside the main entrance between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

As the only pediatric unit within 50 miles, Antelope Valley Medical Center cares for more than 1,100 patients a year. It is also the only designated Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics in the area, which sees over 28,000 pediatric patients annually. The unit is staffed by UCLA pediatricians and specially trained nurses 24/7.