Child Life Specialists utilize donations in their day-to-day work in supporting the development of hospitalized children. Developmentally appropriate toys are provided in our playrooms for staff, patients, and families to use.
As Children’s Nebraska is a leader in pediatric healthcare, we treat a variety of illness and disease. In order to not exclude any patient or family, we ask that donations not be designated to a particular diagnosis.
Our patients and families are our main priority, and we ask that all donations be sent to us directly from the manufacturer. This provides an extra level of safety and limits the time our staff is away from patient care.
Steps to Donate
1. Read all guidelines
2. Fill out and submit our online form
3. Wait for approval. You will be contacted by one of our team members.
4. Email [email protected] for other questions or call 402-955-3287 and leave a description of your donation.
Donation Guidelines:
- ALL items must be brand new (newly purchased, with tags, or in original package)
- Items must be mailed directly to the hospital or schedule an appointment
- Photos may be required for approval
- Toy drives must be pre-approved
- Limited storage may require donation of items be postponed
- Review items we accept and what we can’t accept for our patient
Yes – We can accept the following items:
- New toys in original package (see wish list of current needs and virtual wish lists)
- New stuffed animals with tags
- Fleece blankets (Must be new and delivered in plastic bags)
- Baby blankets (suggested 30 x 30 inches)
- Throw blankets (suggested 50 x 60 inches)
- New books for all ages (English and Spanish)
- Craft kits (Ready to hand out)
- Gift cards from vendors (Walmart, Target, Amazon; etc.)
No – We can not accept the following items:
- Latex-made items
- Items with smoke odor or pet-dander
- Gift wrapped packages
- Religious/political items
- Items depicting violence (Nerf guns, darts, etc.)
- Oversized items (dollhouses, bikes)
- Food or candy
- Used items or collectibles (Even stored in original packaging)
- Crocheted or knitted hats or blankets
- Quilted blankets
- Flowers and plants
- Used gaming systems
- Used medical equipment
Fill out and submit the donation form
Donation Wish Lists
Please see the following wish list and registries to donate directly to the Child Life Department.
Donations can be mailed directly to our Children’s Nebraska, Attn: Child Life Department 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68114.
Candy Cane Lane Donation Information
Drive up donation for you to help child life prepare and spread joy for the holiday season. Bring the family to experience the true meaning of the holiday the first Saturday of December. We appreciate the support during our holiday season.
Drop-off donations will not be scheduled between Dec. 15th – Jan. 16th as our team members are busy preparing for the holiday season. If you would like to schedule a donation delivery for after Jan. 16th fill out our donation form.
We retain the right to refuse any donation that does not meet our organizational standards.