JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Staff members at Wolfson Children's Hospital and Baptist Health are holding its Christmas in July toy drive on Monday.
Hospital officials said toys are integral to helping children because they can be therapeutic during difficult and painful treatments or injuries.
The hospital treats about 80,000 children each year and toys are needed year-round. The hospital said its supply of toys typically dwindles during the summer months.
The gifting program is a nonprofit so it relies on donations.
A couple things happening during the toy drive include a special appearance from Santa .
A father said the donations make all the difference when times get tough during X-rays.
“He was quite nervous and crying, they gave him this lion and it helped calm him down and helped us get through the X-ray,” said Josh Harrison.
The hospital said baby toys and games for teenagers are in the most need.
Toys can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the main circle at Wolfson Children's Hospital. Donations can also be made online on its website.
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Our Town Center ER staff made the early journey downtown today to bring Christmas in July toys to kiddos at Wolfson! pic.twitter.com/QEGfhyHiLT
— Wolfson Children's Hospital (@WolfsonChildren) July 25, 2016
Families can get a picture with Santa’s sleigh & with some Christmas penguins in the Baptist Jax & @WolfsonChildren hospital main lobby.
— Kaitlyn Chana (@KaitlynChana) July 25, 2016
Santa Claus and Wolfie will make a special appearance at @WolfsonChildren to collect toys and entertain kids. @ActionNewsJax
— Kaitlyn Chana (@KaitlynChana) July 25, 2016
The toy drive is underway! @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/b8dqE56QN5
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) July 25, 2016
Health officials say toys ease anxieties and help kids developmentally during
— Kaitlyn Chana (@KaitlynChana) July 25, 2016
treatment of illness and injuries. pic.twitter.com/endv98h1OQ
HELP CHILDREN: “Christmas in July” toy and donation drive benefiting Wolfson Children’s Hospital kids is celebrating their final day.
— Kaitlyn Chana (@KaitlynChana) July 25, 2016
You can donate a toy to Wolfson Children's hospital from 7-2 @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/4svFqDFwTl
— Bridgette Matter (@bridgetteANjax) July 25, 2016
Want to #giveatoyfeelthejoy in person? Join @WolfsonChildren at the Christmas in July Celebration from 7am - 2pm today. @ActionNewsJax
— Kaitlyn Chana (@KaitlynChana) July 25, 2016
It's Christmas in July at @WolfsonChildren! You can be one of Santa's helpers. Put a smile on the face of a child! https://t.co/UCO6sNuFSM
— DawnDLOLopez (@DawnANjax) July 25, 2016
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