Toys From Santa:

Being in the hospital is scary for anyone, but it is extremely stressful for children and their parents. Santa Greg works with organizations to collect toys for ages 0-18 throughout the year.

On the day of the “Christmas In July Charity” event Santa Greg and his Elves (riders that meet at Bull Falls Harley-Davidson®of Wausau get on their motorcycles in the July heat and deliver gifts to all of the pediatric patients and families that are in the Hospital.

Once everyone has arrived the toys are all brought in and patients and siblings get to pick out presents. The remaining items are used throughout the year for patient birthdays, end of treatment parties and holidays. These gifts also help us restock the hospital’s activity areas, as well as our treasure chests that patients can visit after an invasive procedure.

Fundraising:

Not only does Santa bring toys, but he also works around the clock throughout the year to raise money to purchase innovative items that are not included in our Child Life budget.

Over the past 8 years the Charity has raised over $300,000! The Child Life Department has been able to purchase the following:

Nintendo Wii U’s that are permanently installed in every room in the pediatric ward.

“VR Goggles” to help distract patients during procedures and help with pain management.

“Touch2 Play” electronic games for waiting areas and play areas that allow patients and families to play games while they wait to be seen or to pass the time when hospitalized.

Portable Sensory Stations that provide a calming environment for patients to elevate stress and anxiety.

“Teaching Dolls” (Patient Puppets) These dolls can help a child work through their feelings and fears when it comes to the hospital. This is a great preparation tool! It can be used to introduce medical equipment and have the doll represent the child in order to take them through procedures.

In 2020 the charity was thrilled to raise $43,000 for a Movie System for the child’s MRI scanner. With this movie system the hospital is able to put the pediatric patients through an MRI without having to use sedation while making the scan a positive experience for them. MRI's can be difficult experiences for a child. This specialized system is now used to distract patients from the loud machine. Our goal is to help make the children as comfortable as possible while getting tests and procedures done. This system helps that happen.

In 2021 the charity was able to donate a $53,000 check to Marshfield Children's Hospital for the following items:

Mobile Magic gaming systems- Children in the Hospital will be able to have the opportunity to play games in their room, play center or family lounge. These are portable and reprogrammed systems.

Starry Starry Night- Each sedation and recovery room for children will be customized with soft twinkling star lights to provide a calming presence. This will produce a more relaxing and peaceful atmosphere.

Precious Moment Memories- Life is full of precious moments for those families that are preparing to say goodbye to their child. These families will be presented with a handmade "grasping hands" mold that will capture their love forever.

Christmas in July is way more than gifts; it's about comfort for children and families going through some of the most difficult medical experiences.

This past year the charity was able to raise $60,000 to help with the construction of the Child Life Kids Getaway Lounge. This room will allow kids to a space to relax and get out of their hospital rooms to feel like a normal kid for a while.
This is very important to have a break to relax and engage with other patients and families going through similar experiences.
It will be a great way to "get away" for healing and mental health.
It will also be a great space for the child life specialists to offer activities and rehab sessions!