Maria Parham Health Delivers Community Toy Donations to Duke Children’s Hospital

Maria Parham Health recently concluded its Duke Children’s Hospital Toy Drive, delivering hospital and community donations to Duke Children’s Hospital this week. The effort brought together hospital team members and community supporters to provide comfort, entertainment and moments of joy for children facing extended hospital stays.

The toy drive, held Sept. 8–22, was inspired by a member of the Maria Parham Health family whose young daughter recently received care at Duke Children’s Hospital. During her hospitalization, the family discovered firsthand the difference that simple toys and activities can make for children who spend days, weeks or even months in the hospital.

Recognizing an opportunity to help other families experiencing similar challenges, the family wanted to turn that personal experience into an initiative that would benefit children and their loved ones.

“A child’s hospital stay can be difficult and frightening, especially when it stretches into weeks or months,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Knowing how much joy a simple toy can bring to a child during a difficult hospital stay, we wanted to find a way to help other children experience that same little moment of happiness.”

Community members and hospital staff were encouraged to contribute new, age-appropriate toys and activities, including stuffed animals, crayons, sticker books, coloring books and activity books. The initiative emphasized that even one or two simple items could make a meaningful difference, offering children a welcome distraction, a creative outlet or a comforting companion during their time in the hospital.

Collection boxes were available in the Maria Parham Health lobby daily throughout the drive, allowing employees, families, churches, schools, civic organizations, local businesses and other community members to participate.

Following the conclusion of the collection period, donations were gathered and transported to Duke Children’s Hospital. Maria Parham Health was proud to facilitate the effort and help turn the generosity of its team members and community into tangible support for hospitalized children.

The delivery marked the culmination of a heartfelt initiative built around a simple but powerful idea: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. For a child spending an extended period in the hospital, a new toy can provide a moment of fun, comfort during a difficult day and a reminder that others are thinking of them.

Maria Parham Health extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the toy drive and helped make the collection possible. Through initiatives like this, the organization continues to demonstrate its commitment to caring for its communities and supporting children and families when they need it most.

One toy. One child. One moment of joy.