CHRISTUS Children’s Selected Among Top Grant Recipients from The Toy Foundation

 CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems to receive funding for play projects that will improve the care and well-being of pediatric patients 

(APRIL 11, 2024 – SAN ANTONIO) – CHRISTUS Children’s is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of a $15,000 grant from The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Children’s Hospital Play Grants program. 

The grant will expand sensory-friendly play opportunities for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s, particularly within its emergency services and behavioral health areas. The initiative aims to promote and support a calm and comforting hospital environment. Specialized toys designed for sensory engagement will be purchased and used by child life specialists at CHRISTUS Children’s to provide essential coping support. The sensory safety kits will be distributed to patients for use during their hospital stay, upon discharge, and at home. 

“Our child life specialists play such an important role in providing emotional and social support for patients at CHRISTUS Children’s,” said Terry Kyle, CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift from The Toy Foundation that will allow our specialists to continue their impactful work.” 

CHRISTUS Children’s is one of 20 children’s hospitals and health systems selected to receive a Children’s Hospital Play Grant. TTF is distributing $389,000 nationwide, marking a significant gesture expected to bring joy and support to approximately 240,000 children. 

Play is a powerful tool that can significantly improve the care, well-being, and health outcomes of pediatric patients. Hospitals are reliant on external funding or donations to provide this key aspect of the holistic pediatric care model, and TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program helps fill this need. Focused on supporting hospitals that serve under-resourced communities, where 50% or more of patients rely on Medicaid, the program has delivered the benefits of play to 360,000 children since 2021. 

“Play has a profound impact on a child’s healing journey, benefiting their physical, emotional, and educational well-being,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director at The Toy Foundation. “We are pleased to support CHRISTUS Children’s in providing the power of play to help their patients heal and thrive.” 

For more information about TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program and to see the full list of 2024 grant recipients, visit ToyFoundation.org. 

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About CHRISTUS Children’s 

CHRISTUS Children’s became San Antonio’s first freestanding hospital solely dedicated to the care of children and expectant women. Located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, CHRISTUS Children’s is part of CHRISTUS Health. Baylor College of Medicine, one of the top medical schools in the nation, is the academic partner of The Children’s Hospital with 180 pediatric specialists affiliated with Baylor. In addition, community physicians in private practice remain a valuable partner in the care of women and children in our community. We are a health care ministry that works to continually meet the needs of the community to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, following the values and mission of our sponsoring congregations: Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston and San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. 

About The Toy Foundation 

The Toy Foundation (TTF) is a 501 (c)(3) children’s charity and philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, TTF works with small, medium, and large companies to create a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary physical, emotional, and educational benefits of play through three program areas – The Toy Bank, Play Grants, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Pipeline Program. Thanks to the toy industry’s support, TTF has delivered play to more than 31 million children in need around the world. 

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Celebrating CowParade San Antonio: Online auction now open to support CHRISTUS Children’s

Celebrating CowParade San Antonio: Online auction now open to support CHRISTUS Children’s

 (SAN ANTONIO) —The excitement of CowParade San Antonio reached new heights as supporters, art lovers and community leaders gathered at the historic Red Berry Estate for the live auction of 16 artist-designed cows. Guests enjoyed an evening of dinner, bidding and celebration last night to support life-saving care at CHRISTUS Children’s in areas like pediatric heart, neurosurgery and cancer treatment. “The live auction event is not just about the art, but about what the art makes possible,” said Terry Kyle, CEO and chief development officer at CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “Each cow represents creativity, generosity and above all, hope. The funds raised will directly support the children and families who depend on us every day. We are so grateful to our community for stepping up in such a big way.” The live auction may be complete, but some of the herd still need a place to call home. More than 50 cows are now available through the online auction, open now through Oct. 10. These life-sized works of art can be purchased for homes, businesses or even donated to local nonprofits and organizations. Each cow is a chance to own a piece of San Antonio history and art while making a difference.   Throughout the summer, the cows served as colorful beacons for the children and families receiving care at CHRISTUS Children’s, symbols of joy, strength and community support. Now, as they find their permanent homes, their legacy will continue to shine in San Antonio and beyond. Community members are encouraged to visit the CHRISTUS CowParade website to view the online gallery and place their bids today. About CHRISTUS Children’s As part of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Children’s is a faith-based, not-for-profit hospital serving the south Texas community since 1869. We are San Antonio’s first and only freestanding hospital solely dedicated to the care of children and expectant women. Our 180 pediatric specialists are affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. Sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, our mission is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to every individual we serve. For more information, visit www.christushealth.org.  

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