donate toys or gifts

The easiest way to donate toys and gifts to patients to Dayton Children’s is to donate directly to the child life department. Monetary gifts enable the child life department to purchase items as they are needed, resulting in reduced storage needs and the ability to purchase most-needed items. 

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Our child life team has created multiple Amazon wish lists for areas throughout the hospital allowing you to shop for the specific items needed at this time. 

While items can be purchased from any retailer, not exclusively Amazon, when you shop these wish lists the items will be mailed directly to the hospital making it easy for you and our child life team! At this time we cannot accept any items that are not specifically listed on our wish list. 

Your gifts from our wish list can be accepted by mail or dropped off at the hospital Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. You must schedule a time with our child life department if you choose to drop off your donations. Please see below for instructions.

Gifts received that are not included on the approved list(s) of items may be redirected to one of Dayton Children’s community partners that can more appropriately share the gift with a child. Please note the list of items below that we cannot accept. 

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donation instructions:

Drop off donations:

All donation drop offs must be scheduled. If you would like to drop off your donation to Dayton Children’s main campus, please fill out this form to start the process.

Mail your donation:

Please mail donated items to: Dayton Children’s Hospital - Child Life 1 Children’s Plaza
Dayton, Ohio 45404

• Used items, including toys, books, electronic and board games, stuffed animals, etc.

• Homemade/crocheted/knit items, including blankets, clothing, hats, etc.

• Blankets or pillowcases 

• Toys, books and movies with violent themes or weapons, including nerf guns, swords, water guns, action figures with weapons, etc.

• Sporting equipment/riding toys, including scooters, skateboards, bicycles, footballs, etc.

• Food or candy

• Inexpensive items you might find at a discount store or happy meal type items. This is due to toy quality and safety concerns. 

Show your support by purchasing a curated gift package for a hospitalized kid.

Gift packages are designed with our patients' needs in mind. There are options for

• Babies & toddlers
• Young kids
• Teens
• Families
• And more.

Our child life team will receive your donated gift package and hand-deliver it to a sick or injured kid spending time in the hospital. 

All you have to do is choose a package, make your donation, and we take care of the rest!

Your gift is tax-deductible, and greatly appreciated by our kids, families and care team members. 

Purchase a gift package today