COLUMBUS, Ohio – There are many opportunities for the local community and supporters of Nationwide Children’s Hospital around the country to give back to patients during the holiday season. A complete list of events can be found here.
“The support and needs of our patients have not changed despite the unique environment we are living in during this holiday season,” said Niki Shafer, senior vice president, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Nationwide Children’s Hospital is always grateful for the generosity our supporters provide throughout the year, and the impact they will make during this special time is appreciated now more than ever.”
Support Children’s Mental Health
For a monthly gift of $15 or more, supporters of On Our Sleeves®, the movement to transform children’s mental health, will receive an “I Support Children’s Mental Health” t-shirt designed by Homage. Also, until Dec. 31, 2020, donors will receive a second t-shirt to give to a friend. With this support, On Our Sleeves will continue to provide communities across America with free educational resources to help break the stigma surrounding children’s mental health.
Shop for a Cause
The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation e-store has a variety of items for purchase throughout the holiday season. From On Our Sleeves merchandise, including t-shirts designed by Homage, to specially designed holiday cards and ornaments, shopping at the e-store is an opportunity to help kids everywhere.
Shop for a Cause … Part 2
For those interested in donating some of the top wish-list items to patients at Nationwide Children’s from the comfort of their home, they may do so through CbusShops this holiday season. Partnering with retailers in central Ohio, CbusShops will note all items purchased for Nationwide Children’s and will make a one-time delivery.
NovemBEARD
Nov. 1-30
Throughout the month of November, the Butterfly Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital is hosting the annual fundraiser that supports the Hospice and Palliative Care programs. The central Ohio community is encouraged to grow their beards for a worthy cause and at the end of the month receive recognition for their efforts in the NovemBeard competition.
TWIG Bazaar
Nov. 1-Dec. 11
The 98th annual TWIG Bazaar, sponsored by TWIG of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, is virtual this year. Traditionally a one-day event, the 2020 TWIG Bazaar will be “open” to shoppers who enjoy unique crafts that include home décor, seasonal items, children’s collectibles and more.
Family Holiday Program – Holiday Help
Nov. 1-Dec. 31
Nationwide Children’s Hospital accepts donations to assist patient families during the holiday season. To enable parents to experience the joy and satisfaction of selecting gifts most appropriate for their children – families recommended by social workers are provided with gift cards to retailers that provide a range of shopping options and are easily accessible. Visit the Family Holiday Program for additional details and to make a donation.
Donatos® and Cheryl’s®
Nov. 15-Jan. 10, 2021
Donatos Pizza and Cheryl’s cookies are partnering once again during the holiday season to support On Our Sleeves. With each purchase of the Cheryl’s signature buttercream frosted cut-out cookie from any central Ohio Donatos location, $1.50 will be donated to On Our Sleeves. Each cookie is packaged in special Nationwide Children’s wrapping that features the hospital’s iconic blue butterfly. Additionally, fifty cents of each purchase of a 20-ounce bottle of Aquafina will be donated. Customers also will have an opportunity to round up their total purchase when ordering online.
Send a Personalized Message from Star Wars Actress Ashley Eckstein
Nov. 16-Dec. 31
Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars and Founder of HerUniverse, a groundbreaking fandom fashion and lifestyle brand, will personally donate $10 to On Our Sleeves for every video message she records on Cameo. Each personalized message from Ashley is $125.
BuckeyeThon
Nov. 21
In its annual celebration of fundraising, the BuckeyeThon Dance Marathon will continue to support patients receiving care in the Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplant program at Nationwide Children’s. Although BuckeyeThon will look different this year with a virtual format, the community can still participate in one of the largest fundraising activities for Nationwide Children’s.
Holiday Toy Drive
Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
A gift of toys, games and activity supplies can make a big difference to children and families spending time in the hospital and the community’s generosity is appreciated. Because more than half of the patients are under the age of 2, items for infants and toddlers are in high demand. *Please note, because of COVID-19, there are several changes and safety procedures in place this year. Visit the hospital’s Donation Wish List for detailed information.
Tribute Giving
For that person on your list that is impossible to shop for, to say thank you to someone special, or to send tidings for a Happy New Year – make a gift to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in their honor. The hospital’s foundation will notify the individual, family, or business that a gift was made in their honor (if contact information is provided). Make a gift by visiting NationwideChildrens.org/Tribute