What kinds of donations make the largest impact?

Your financial contributions make the greatest and most immediate impact on our patients and families. From purchasing specialized adaptive toys, to celebrating milestones like graduations or birthdays, your gift helps us sustain the programs and projects that bring comfort to our patients and families each day.  

What's the most needed items right now in the hospital?

Our most needed items include:

• Infant items: rattles, teethers, o-balls, binkies, musical & light up toys, boppy pillows, etc.
• Play-Doh (tubs, sets, & cutting tools)
• $25 Gift Cards for Amazon, Target, Walmart, etc. (in amounts of $25)
• Children and adult coloring books and artist sketch pads
• Crayola crayons (24 count), washable markers and colored pencils (sets of 8-24)
• Teen and tech items including Bluetooth speakers and headphones and advanced crafts
• New stuffed animals with their tags attached
• Uno, board games, teen card games and decks of playing cards
• Crafts kits for school-age children and teens: art sets, science kits, STEM building, etc.
• Sensory balls and toys, Pop its, Find It Games. Please note: All donations must be new in its original packaging, including attached tags.

Are there items that you cannot accept?

Out of concern for the safety, immunity and allergies of many of our patients, we are only able to accept new items with the tags still attached. We are unable to accept the following donations:

Toys

• Used/previously played with items, toys, books, games or stuffed animals
• Latex toys, games and balloons
• Collections of items, toys, books, games or stuffed animals that have never been played with but have been stored away or are vintage collectables
• Full-sized sports equipment (soccer, basketballs, nets, etc.), bikes, skateboards, scooters
• Toys that resemble weapons (swords, violent action figures, etc.)

Other Items

• Displays or art work intended for use or display in the hospital
• Handwritten cards, messages or letters for patients and families
• Handmade/sewn clothing
• Homemade food/treats (cookies, cupcakes, bars, etc.)
• Used medical equipment

Can I deliver my donation directly to the children?

Due to patient confidentiality and infection control, donors are not able to deliver gifts to our patients. We are also not able to provide pictures with patients in them once a donation is received.

I do not live in the area and would prefer to mail the gift. What is your mailing address?

Nemours Children’s Hospital
ATTN: Child Life
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803

Can we send a wrapped gift?

While we appreciate your thoughtfulness, all toys need to be unwrapped so it is easy for us to determine which child would best benefit from that gift. You are welcome to donate wrapping supplies as part of your donation.

I’m interested in giving a bigger value item or large financial donation.

Please contact us at childlifeprograms@nemours.org.