Child Life Program Support Fund

Child Life helps children cope with being in a hospital by providing a variety of play and developmentally appropriate preparation experiences.

Our dedicated Child Life team at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital helps children cope with medical procedures and hospitalization by providing a variety of play and developmentally appropriate interventions. Through play and preparation, our Child Life Specialists help support the emotional, developmental, and social needs of a child during the crisis of illness and related treatments. These interventions help to normalize the environment and help children and families gain a greater understanding and sense of control, which helps them cope and reduces stress and fear of the unknown. Donations to the Child Life Program support patients during their hospitalization or outpatient treatments. We truly appreciate your support!

Give to the Child Life Program Fund

Other Ways to Support Child Life

  • Host an Online Fundraiser or Virtual Toy Drive. Engage your friends and family in a fundraiser to support various areas of the Children’s Hospital. For more information on how to host your own online fundraiser, visit our DIY fundraising page diy.ynhh.org.
  • Donate an item from our Wish Book. The Wish Book is a catalog of various items that could help make a real difference in the life of a sick child, worried parent, or a family struggling with illness. Visit our online Wish Book.
  • Shop our Amazon Wish Lists. Our Child Life team has selected the items that are most commonly needed for our patients. You can donate these safe, approved toys directly to Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. View our current Amazon Wish Lists.

In-Kind and Wish List Gifts: Giving Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in supporting Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital through in-kind donations. We deeply appreciate the generosity of our community and the thoughtful gifts that bring comfort and joy to our young patients and their families. To ensure the safety, health, and well-being of everyone in our care, we ask that all donations adhere to the following guidelines. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Items We CAN Accept

To meet safety and infection prevention standards, donations must be brand new (purchased within 30 days of being donated) and unwrapped. We welcome the following items:

  • Art Supplies: Small packs of markers, colored pencils, crayons
  • Individual Cans of Play-Doh
  • LEGO Sets: Sets with fewer than 300 pieces
  • Infant Toys: Stacking rings, rattles, toy phones
  • Barbie Dolls
  • Phone Chargers
  • Family Care Kits: Including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo
  • Staff Appreciation Bags
Items We CANNOT Accept
  • Used Items
  • Gift Cards
  • Handmade Items: Including blankets and hats
  • Loose or Heavy Boxed Donations: All items must be kept in plastic bins, boxes, or bags
  • Greeting or Handmade Cards for Patients
  • Items Containing Latex or Toxic Paints/Glues
  • Glitter in Any Form: Including glitter glue, stickers, paper, and nail polish
  • Youth Transportation Equipment: Bikes, razor scooters, tricycles, big wheels, etc.
  • Oversized Items: Large stuffed animals, large playsets, large toys, etc.
  • Religious Items
  • Medical Equipment or Supplies
  • DVDs Rated Above PG-13
  • Spark or Friction-Producing Toys
  • Toys Promoting Violence
  • Toys That Can Break and Leave Sharp Edges
  • Toys with Numerous Small Parts That Require Close Supervision
  • Items That Have Been Held in Storage
Thank You for Your Support!

Your thoughtful contributions make a significant difference in the lives of our patients and families. By following these guidelines, you help us provide safe and meaningful gifts that bring comfort and joy to those in our care. Your generosity is truly appreciated, and we are grateful to have you as part of our community.

Our Development Team will be happy to speak with you about these guidelines and all of the ways you can support Child Life. Please contact giving@ynhh.org for more information.

For information about donating to the Toy Closet Program, which provides each pediatric patient with an age-appropriate toy or small gift when they are discharged from the hospital, please click here.

Toddler at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital
Therapy dog and toddler at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital

"We just want to thank everyone for the excellent care and service extended to my husband during his recent Cataract Surgery on Dec 14, 2022. This includes the Pre-op RNs, wonderful caregivers, Front Desk Team, the OR Team and all others who had a hand in arranging the excellent transportation service to and back home from the surgical facility at Goose Lane. We had outstanding drivers for the trips. My husband's recovery has been excellent. We can't thank Yale New Haven Health enough."

B & M Baker

"I’ve had two experiences with Yale New Haven Hospital. My mother had an aneurysm that other hospitals would not touch because of the risks - YNHH saved her life. My mother-in-law had three major surgeries and all went well. Amazing hospital, thank you for everything!"

E Galasyn