UVA Children’s Hospital gives out toys to patients ahead of Christmas

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Being in the hospital during Christmas can be hard on young patients and their families.

That is why UVA Children’s Hospital makes sure those who will be cooped up this holiday season get to experience the holidays through its Seasons Treating’s event.

“It keeps the spirit alive, you don’t feel as sad about missing family, doing other activities, being at home,” Rachel Miller said.

Miller was at the Children’s Hospital picking out toys for her son Arrow.

“He had a liver transplant November 14 but had some complications after,” Miller said. “Everything is good now but we’re just here finishing up a medication.”

She says it’s been stressful this time of year with Christmas right around the corner.

“My husband and I switch off staying here every other night, and when we do leave we go to a hotel and it’s like all you want to do is go rest and take it easy,” Miller said. “You don’t necessarily want to go holiday shopping so definitely takes the stress away.”

UVA Children’s Hospital recognizes families would rather be at home during the holidays.

That is why it is trying to bring Christmas cheer directly to patients through Season’s Greetings.

“We have volunteers from the advisory board and from hospital education program and the child life team that are helping the families come through, tell us who they’re shopping for, and we help them pick out gifts to bring home for the holidays,” Kelly Brown said.

Brown is on UVA Children’s advisory board.

“From the tiniest of babies to older teens,” Brown said “We’ve got jewelry sets, and Lego’s and rattles and just anything that can make a child smile during the holidays.”

She says Season’s Treatings is all about making sure those who are cooped up in the hospital can wake up on Christmas day with gifts in hand.

“That’s really why we do this, to bring joy to those kids and to their families,” Brown said.

Some members of UVA’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will also be handing out some last-minute gifts at the children’s hospital on Friday, December 20.

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