NEWS
Saint Peter’s Foundation Raises Over $15,000 for Pediatric Patients
January 24, 2022
The 2021 Virtual Toy Drive benefiting The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital raised over $15,000. Funds raised will allow the Saint Peter’s Child Life team to purchase items such as toys, art supplies, and games that will be used to comfort our pediatric patients and celebrate and encourage their recovery.
More than 180 donors contributed to the fundraiser, which was held on Saint Peter’s Foundation’s peer-to-peer fundraising platform. This allowed supporters to easily share the campaign across social media, encouraging friends and family to support a cause that they care about.
Several community groups and individuals hosted virtual fundraisers, including the New Brunswick Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Vital Decisions, KEA Engineers, Rosie Olivencia, King’s Pizzeria, Heba Amar and Isbel Azcona.
Marcus Williams, a member of the New Brunswick Alumni Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., shared why they chose to fundraise for the Virtual Toy Drive, saying, “Our Guide Right National Service program encompasses many of our youth-oriented programs such as mentoring, community service and philanthropy. Being able to work hand in hand with the dedicated staff at Saint Peter’s allowed us to not only check all these boxes but enabled us to brighten the lives of so many deserving children and bring a little joy to their holiday season.”
Child Life Specialist Amanda Carlson commented, “For the second holiday season in a row, the COVID-19 pandemic has put limitations on in-person donations. With generous monetary donations from the community, the Child Life Program can purchase specific items for our patients—not only for the holidays but throughout the year.”
Most importantly, this fundraiser helped bring normalcy to Saint Peter’s pediatric patients and their families during the holidays. Child Life Coordinator Kristal Neal said, “The support of the Virtual Toy Drive ensures that our pediatric patients can continue to do what they do best—be kids! Hospitalization can be a challenging time, but our days shine a little brighter because of the support of our community. On behalf of all of us at The Children’s Hospital, thank you!”
If you would like to contribute to The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, visit saintpetershcs.com/Donate/childrenshospital.
For more information about hosting a fundraiser benefiting Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, contact Saint Peter’s Foundation at 732.745.8542 or email spfoundation@saintpetersuh.com.