Supporting our Community
Toy Donations at Christmas
With donations, we are able to purchase equipment like;
- High Frequency Oscillatory Ventillator: used in critical situations to support patients in severe respiratory failure.
- Smiley Scope VR Goggles: helping distact children undergoing treatment, making proceedures less stressful and overwhelming.
- AccuVein Finder: Pinpointing exact vein locations for quick and less painful blood tests.
- Laryngoscope: allows a clear view of the larynx during surgical proceedures and resuscitation.
5-STEPS TO DONATING TOYS
If you would like to give a toy donation, it is important to please ensure each toy meets the below requirements and is delivered to the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation at Gold Coast University Hospital no later than December 19 2024.
1. Schedule a drop-off appointment
To make sure your gift is received smoothly, please schedule a drop off time in advance. All toys must be delivered by December 19 2024 to ensure enough time to sort and distribute before Christmas. Click here to reserve a drop-off appointment.
2. New items only
For health and safety reasons we can only accept brand-new toys and gifts. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept second hand toys or gifts of any kind, even if washed.
Please leave gifts unwrapped. This helps us ensure every toy is safe and suitable before giving to a child. Wrapped or gift bagged presents will need to be unwrapped by our team, which can be time consuming during the busy season. Your help in keeping gifts unwrapped makes a big difference - thank you.
A. Toys with button batteries: for safety reasons, we are unable to accept toys with these.
B. Items with sharp edges or objects, like scissors
C. Toys with loud noises
D. Items that are highly scented
E. Toys that do not come with batteries included.
While toys for young children are always welcome, please consider bringing gifts for teenagers, adults and older adults who may also be spending the holidays in the hospital. Some sadly have no families. Please see our suggested toys and gifts below.
Suggested Toys and Gifts
Babies, toddlers and 4-10 years
Toys
- Soft toys and plush animals
- Dolls (soft-bodied dolls, diverse characters and action figures)
- Baby-friendly interactive toys
- Lego and Duplo
- Sensory items and fidgets
- Toy cars – Hot Wheels / Matchbox or push cars for toddlers
- Age-appropriate puzzles
Books and Crafts
- Colouring pencils and pens
- Craft packs
- Storybooks and activity books, including “Where’s Wally” types
- Playdough, airdry clay, kinetic sand
Teens and Young Adults
Games and Toys
- Teddy bears or small, comforting plush
- Card and board games
- Sensory items and fidgets
- Puzzles
- Lego
Toiletries
- Hand creams and body lotions
- Toiletry kits for all genders (NO aerosol or spray items please)
- Hair accessory packs (brush, combes, hair ties)
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Face masks (self-care not medical)
- Eye masks for sleeping
Books and Crafts
- Reading, joke books and light novels
- DIY Craft kits
- Mindfulness and adult colouring books
- Colouring pencils and pens
- Sketch pads, journals or diaries
- Activity books – Sudoku, Word Find
Senior Adults
Games and Toys
- Board and Card Games (Uno, Trivia Pursuit etc.)
- Puzzles
Toiletries
- Hand creams and body lotions
- Toiletry kits – mini shampoo & conditioner, body wash, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush (No aerosol or spray items)
- Hair accessory packs (brush and combes)
Books and Crafts
- Reading and picture books
- DIY craft kits
- Mindfulness and adult colouring books
- Colouring pencils and pens
- Activity books – Sudoku, Word Find
All funds raised stay right here on the Gold Coast helping those in critical need.
FAQs
Where do I drop-off my toy donation?
All toys donations can be dropped off at the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation Shop at Gold Coast University Hospital. You will need to book a drop off time to ensure we are ready to help. Please book a time here.
Do I need to book a drop-off appointment?
Yes. You will need to book a drop-off appointment to ensure we are ready to help you. Please book an apointment on this link.
Can I give my toys out to the children's ward?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the critical nature of some children’s health and to protect their privacy, we take all toys for sorting and distributing to ensure suitability. Each hospital unit advises the type of toys they require at the time for patients currently in their care. We are able however, to take photos of you and the presents in front of our 12-foot Christmas tree in the main lobby of the hospital.
Can I make a monetary donation instead of toys?
Yes you can. Whilst a toy donation can help one child, a monetary donation can help us purchase vital medical equipment and deliver critical services that can help hundreds of patients. To make a donation please click here.
