Media Advisory: Volunteer Chain to Deliver Toys for Kids in Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
12/13/2018
WHAT: Outback Toy Drop
WHEN: Dec. 17, 2018 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon
WHERE: Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
‘Tis the season of giving and receiving, and the Outback Toy Drop at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center will highlight both for pediatric patients in the hospital.On Dec. 17, representatives from Outback Steakhouse and others will form a human chain to deliver holiday gifts to the 11th floor of the Children’s Center, where the Snowflake Station will be setting up this year for patients and their families.
The toys are collected by Maryland Outback locations at their holiday customer appreciation parties. Once delivered to the Snowflake Station on the pediatric oncology floor, families of patients from all over the Children’s Center will be able to “shop” and choose gifts for patients that best represent their holiday wishes.
Hundreds of toys are expected to be delivered, and volunteers will begin sorting, selecting and wrapping holiday gifts for all pediatric patients. This event started in 2012 and has been a well received and appreciated effort by volunteers, families and patients.
“Snowflake Station is a wonderful way to help families prepare for the holiday gift giving season when they don’t have the time or resources to shop due to their child’s illness,” said Lexie Delone, Child Life specialist. “Having an ill child around the holidays affects every family member, and this is the best way we know to support the ill child, parents and siblings. We appreciate each and every donor that makes this possible each year.”
Members of the media will be able to photograph and take video of the toy procession as it heads to the 11th floor. Images and video can also be shot at the Snowflake Station, and volunteers and organizers will be available for interviews.