MEDIA ADVISORY
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Hosts Annual Holiday Toy Drive with Special Appearance by Harlem Globetrotter and Columbus Native Zeus McClurkin
WHAT: Nationwide Children’s Hospital will collect new toys and gift cards for patients during its annual holiday toy drive.
WHEN: *Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2p.m.; During the first two hours, Harlem Globetrotter and Columbus native Zeus McClurkin will be on hand to greet supporters as they drop off their gifts.
WHERE: Nationwide Children’s Hospital Outpatient Care Center parking lot – 555 S. 18th St., 43205. Follow the signage and pull up along the sidewalk in the OCC parking lot where volunteers and staff will accept donations while donors remain in their car.
WHY: A gift of toys, games or activity supplies can make a big difference to children and families spending time in the hospital, especially during the holidays. While donations of food or clothing cannot be accepted, the Top 10 needed items by patients and families are:
- Plastic infant/toddler musical light up or vibrating toys
- Lego sets
- Teethers/Rattles
- Musical soothers
- UNO Card Game
- Little Tike & Fisher Price action structures, people, cars, animals and trains
- Disney and Pixar DVDs
- Art Supplies
- Play-Doh
- Amazon Gift Cards
Items also can be donated via Amazon’s Wish List and will be delivered directly to the hospital.
*For those who cannot attend the Toy Drive, Nationwide Children’s will accept holiday donations between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Friday. The latest the hospital can accept holiday toy donations is noon Dec. 20. Gifts cannot be accepted from Dec. 21-Jan. 1. Drop-offs will resume on Jan. 2 at the main hospital tower entrance. Friends of Nationwide Children’s bringing a large donation of 50 items or more are encouraged to call 614-722-3635 in advance so volunteers and staff can greet supporters.