Annual Children’s of Mississippi Holiday Giving Drive is December 17-19

The holiday spirit shines bright at Children’s of Mississippi, thanks to the generous supporters who bring joy through donated items each year. 

Join in the cheer by participating in the annual Holiday Giving Drive, happening December 17-19 from 9a.m. to 4p.m. at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower on the UMMC campus. Online gifts from Children’s of Mississippi’s Amazon and Walmart wish lists can be made anytime during the year. Links to both are available on UMMC’s in-kind giving webpage. 

“Mississippians show incredible generosity year after year, helping us bring holiday cheer to our patients,” said Jen Hospodor, senior director of strategic partnerships at UMMC. “These gifts lift spirits during the season and support meaningful incentives and surprises for patients throughout the entire year.” 

“We are continually humbled by the generosity of Mississippians,” said Cara Williams, child life manager at Children’s of Mississippi. “These gifts bring comfort and a sense of normalcy to our patients and their families during what can be a very stressful holiday season. They create moments of holiday magic in the midst of challenging times and help lift a burden from parents whose focus is entirely on their child’s health. These donations also inspire our patients to work toward their medical goals and support them in staying on track with important developmental milestones throughout their hospital stay.” 

The wish lists include a variety of items such as toys for all ages, coloring books and activities for older children. Essential items like onesies, sweatpants, underwear, shirts and socks in all sizes are also needed, as patients may require hospital care suddenly, leaving families with little time to bring personal items. 

Gift ideas span all ages. For infants, items like teethers, rattles and crib mobiles are especially helpful. Children ages 3-12 enjoy small art kits, dolls, action figures, coloring books and crayons and toy cars. Teenage patients appreciate thoughtful items such as phone chargers, ear buds, bottles of nail polish and adult coloring books and pens. 

Healthy snacks for patients and families are also generally helpful. Soup, pudding, jerky, granola and popcorn can be donated online or through the Adopt-A-Floor program. 

Toys donated during the Christmas season help make sure every patient has something special. 

Supporting Children’s of Mississippi is a meaningful way to brighten the lives of patients across the state, but please remember a few guidelines. 

Items that cannot be accepted include: 

• Wrapped gifts and goodie bags, as contents need to be visible for suitability 
• Used items of any kind due to infection control policies 
• Religious items 
• Toy weapons and violent video games or movies 
• Gift cards 
• Larger toys like kitchen sets that will not fit well in hospital rooms and storage areas 
• Bikes, scooters, pogo sticks and other riding toys that may not be suitable for ill or injured children. 

“The simplest way to support Children’s of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi Medical Center this holiday season is through an online donation,” Hospodor said. “With just a few clicks, you can contribute to our wish lists or directly support the Child Life, Family Assistance, or Adult Patient Needs Funds.”  

Donations to these funds enable child life and social work teams to purchase necessary items for patients and families, such as medications not covered by insurance, car seats and meal tickets. Visit umc.edu/givenow and select a fund from the designation menu.