Ways to Help

Due infection control guidelines, we require that all donations be brand new and in the original packaging. We cannot accept any used or gently used items.

Holiday wish lists

This year the Child Life team has handpicked age-specific gift bundles to ensure every child will receive a thoughtful gift this holiday season. You may choose to purchase an age-specific bundle or individual items, or you can donate funds to be used toward the purchase of holiday items.

Any items that are not used for the holiday gifts will be used year-round in our playrooms, inpatient units, clinics and many more pediatric patient service areas.

We are grateful for your generosity and thank you for your support.

How to donate

Our goal is to make donating as convenient and safe as possible. We are encouraging donors to order online directly from our wish lists, or from the vendor of their choice and have items shipped directly to the hospital.

Send donations directly via mail

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital
Child Life Department
1600 SW Archer RD
BOX 100335
Gainesville, FL 32610

Deliver to the hospital

• Please complete this donation form and bring it with you when you drop off your donation. For those that prefer to drop off items to the hospital, we offer a contactless delivery option.
• Currently, we are accepting donations daily from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Please call ahead to schedule a delivery time. This ensures a Child Life staff member is available to meet you.
• Weekdays please call: (352) 594-6470
• Weekends please call: (352) 494-5500

Child Life staff will provide directions when you call to schedule a delivery. We ask that you please follow the guidelines below to ensure our patients’ safety.

• Due to safety precautions, a Child Life staff member will meet you outside to collect your donation.
• To protect the privacy of our patients, donors will not be allowed to deliver room to room. All donated items will be distributed to patients by Child Life staff.
  

In-kind donation guidelines

• Due to infection control guidelines, all toys or items of any kind must be brand new and in original packaging. We cannot accept any used or gently used items.
• Stuffed animals and plush toys will not be accepted unless they are in the original manufacturers packaging.
• Please do not include food, candy or gum. Many patients are on restricted diets.
• All items must be politically and religiously neutral. Please do not include religious reading material.
• Latex items are not permitted (including latex balloons), as many individuals have latex allergies.
• All donated art items such as paint, crayon, glue, etc. must be labeled non-toxic
• Please make sure items do not contain small parts such as buttons, glass, magnetic balls or any game that contains magnetic pieces.
• Please do not include any toy or item that contains button batteries.
• Please do not include any items that represent violence (soldiers, guns, war games, etc.).
• Please do not gift wrap items.

Additional ways you can help

Community fundraising and toy drive requirements

Any person or organization interested in participating in the MyCommunity Fundraiser Program must complete an Event Proposal Application and submit a brief summary of the event or campaign. The application must be submitted for prior approval through the UF Health Office of Development. This application process allows us to identify how the funds raised will best benefit our organization.

Interested in hosting a MyCommunity Fundraising Program?

• Please complete a fundraising application and submit for approval by sending to the Office of Development at offdev@shands.ufl.edu, or fax to (352) 265-7954.
• Check out the MyCommunity Fundraiser Planning Kit, which provides tips and resources for your event, including fundraising procedures, promotional material and keys to success!