Children's of Alabama Offers Guidance for Donating Patient Gifts This Holiday Season

BIRMINGHAM (Nov. 23, 2020) – The holidays bring out the giving spirit of the local community, and Children’s of Alabama has new gift-giving suggestions due to COVID-19 precautions.

“We always appreciate the generous support of the community, especially at the holidays, but we are implementing a few changes this year to help prevent the spread of illness,” said Mindy Wald, manager, events.

Staff will not be able to accept in-person gift donations this year at the hospital due to COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, shoppers are encouraged to give a monetary donation, ship gifts or schedule a drop-off appointment at an off-site location.

“Online shopping is a great way to support our patients this holiday season because the gifts can be shipped directly to us,” Wald said. The hospital has a registry for those who want to shop online, featuring perfect gifts for boys and girls of all ages.

The hospital has also compiled a wish list for those who want to shop for gifts in person. Gifts can be mailed to Family Services – SPS, 1201 2^nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35233. Gifts can be dropped off at this location beginning Dec. 1, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers can send an email to SugarPlumShop@childrensal.org to make an appointment for a specific drop-off time.

“We also appreciate monetary donation as our needs and patient population are ever changing,” Wald said. Donations can be made online.

For safety and infection control purposes, all donations must be brand new and in original packaging. Gifts should be unwrapped. The hospital is unable to accept food/candy, stuffed animals, toys that depict violence, religious items, crocheted/knit items, and gently used or homemade items.

Wald requests that gifts be received by Monday, Dec. 14, to allow time for disinfecting and cleaning before hospital staff can begin sorting the donations.

For more information about donating to patients at Children’s of Alabama this holiday season, visit www.SugarPlumShop.org.