Virtual Holiday Toy Drive raises more than $32K

The holidays were merry and bright for hospitalized kids at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, thanks to the $32,736 raised during the Virtual Holiday Toy Drive in 2025. In addition to the monetary donations, individuals directly purchased more than 350 toys from the hospital’s Amazon wish list, which delivered items to the hospital.

“The generosity of our community brought such joy and comfort to the children and families in our care during the holiday season,” said Diana Sundberg, UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department manager. “The final totals for the virtual toy drive far exceeded our expectations. These gifts play an important role in helping the children feel supported and cared for while they are in the hospital.”

The toy drive provided free toys for every hospitalized child, from infants through teens. Toys were also given to pediatric patients in UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center’s pediatric infusion room.

In addition, some of the funds will be used to support pediatric patients throughout 2026, providing toys, art supplies, music supplies, treasure box prizes and giveaways during their hospitalization as well as visits to the Comprehensive Cancer Center and MIND Institute. Children who celebrate their birthday in the hospital will also receive gifts, thanks to the generosity of donors.

For anyone who missed the toy drive and would like to contribute, the child life fund is still accepting donations. The child life team also has a year-round Amazon wish list.