Toy donations at The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center need a shot in the arm, and Science Museum Oklahoma (SMO) is calling on its guests to help. It’s all part of a month long toy drive to bring gifts to children battling illness and their families.
“About this time in July, donations really slow down. It makes such a huge difference for a child battling illness to watch their favorite movie or play with their favorite toy, especially in a place where they feel helpless,” said Ann Nick, patient pal in the Child Life Volunteer Office and board member for the volunteer board fundraising committee. “With the community’s help, the volunteers at The Children’s Hospital can brighten the hospital stays and the experience of each child and family that we serve.”
The toy drive will take place throughout the month of July. Toys may be dropped off at Science Museum Oklahoma and Brewer Carpet One locations. Guests who bring new unwrapped toys, books or DVDs will receive a “buy one get one free” admission to SMO.
In addition to children’s materials there is also a shortage of books and DVDs that can be provided to parents in the hospital for extended periods. According to hospital volunteers nearly 5,100 toys were given out in 2010, or an average of 425 toys per month – a number that has risen year to year.
“Every day at Science Museum Oklahoma we get to see a museum full of healthy children’s eyes light up as they explore our world. Each child, each family, is important to us,” said Linda Maisch, director of development at Science Museum Oklahoma. “By participating in this toy drive we get to provide sick children and their families with a reminder that they’re not alone. There is a community of organizations, businesses and families providing comfort and support. Science Museum Oklahoma is proud to be part of this special community.”
For more information Science Museum Oklahoma guests can call 405-602-6664, or visit www.sciencemuseumok.org for more information.
About Science Museum Oklahoma
Science Museum Oklahoma reveals the wonder and relevance of science in our everyday lives. Get up to your elbows in science with acres of hands-on experiences, thousands of space, aviation and cultural artifacts and new exhibits always on the horizon. Blast off beyond the Milky Way in the Planetarium Theater and feel the heat from live explosions in Science Live. And you’ll love traveling to new worlds while watching IMAX movies in the dome theater. Let your inner-child run wild!
