Please Support Child Life Services at Cedars!

I think you all know that we have selected the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fund at Cedars as our primary cancer-related charity. You can get information about the Child Life Services programs supported by that fund here. These programs are really essential for kids going through cancer treatment -- they make the hospital and the treatments much easier to deal with.

Monetary donations can be made using the link in the right margin.

For those of you who may be interested in making in-kind donations, here's some information:

Hospitalized children, toys and you!

The division of Pediatrics Hematology Oncology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is grateful to the many community members, service groups and businesses who generously donate toys to our pediatric patients. Donations keep our activity rooms supplied and make holidays, birthdays and other special celebrations possible. Donated decorations add cheer to activity rooms and patient care areas. You and your group can help by following our recommended toy safety guidelines, as they protect our young patients.

Toy Safety Guidelines

v All donated toys must be new and in the original packaging to assist us with infection control. This includes stuffed toys that have not been played with but have been on display. They can collect dust and may contribute to allergies.

v Toys should be sturdy and should not be made of glass or brittle plastic. They may break and leave sharp edges. Toys should not have parts that can pinch fingers or toes or catch hair.

v Stuffed animals and toys can only be used if they are filled with fabric or solid foam. Small pellets, beans or shredded foam should not be used as filler. Please avoid toys with detachable parts (like button eyes) which can be removed and swallowed or inhaled.

v Fire regulations forbid electrical, spark-producing, or friction-producing toys.

v Toys that are painted or contain glue or paint must be non-toxic.

v "Humorous" medical toys and games may cause fears and misconceptions and may be inappropriate.

v Decorations must be non-denominational, flameproof, non-electrical and unbreakable.

v Please note … we are unable to accept any food items or latex balloons.

All toys donated are to be left unwrapped, however, we encourage you to donate gift bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper and gift tags. This allows us to best match the gifts with the patients.

Thank you, in advance, for brightening the lives of ill children throughout the year.

To schedule delivery of your donation please call: Joanne B. Ordono, CCLS at 310-423-3186.

Popular favorites for all ages

Infants and Toddlers: Sassy brand Music in Motion mobiles (available at Walmart.com) ~ Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Aquariums ~ infant music boxes ~ busy boxes ~ non-breakable crib mirrors ~ cradle gyms ~ rattles ~ musical toys ~ soft rubber dolls ~ cloth, soft vinyl or heavy cardboard picture books ~ small balls ~ lullaby and soft music CDs ~ push/pull/talking toys

Pre-Schoolers: wooden puzzles ~ Fisher Price toys/games/medical kits ~ Playskool toys/games ~ play food and dishes ~ musical instruments ~ play tools ~ baby dolls (multicultural) ~ Play Doh and accessories ~ books ~ Tonka trucks and small play vehicles ~ balls

School Age: board games (Sorry, Trouble, Monopoly Jr., etc.) ~ Etch-a-Sketch ~ puzzles ~ Magna Doodle ~ craft/paint/activity sets ~ 60 and 100 piece puzzles ~ models (snap together type) ~ art supplies ~ dolls (Barbie & Super Hero - multicultural) ~ I Spy books ~ toy dinosaurs and insects ~ cars ~ Nerf ball playsets ~ velcro darts ~ Matchbox cars and trucks

Teenagers (area of high need): advanced craft & paint supplies ~ model kits (non-toxic) ~ board games (Monopoly, Scrabble, Battleship, Life) ~ jewelry making kits ~ disposable cameras ~ handheld electronic games ~ cd players with headsets ~ advanced puzzles ~ playing cards ~ sports supplies ~ stationary sets ~ blank journals and scrapbooks ~ magic supplies ~ gift certificates to clothing stores, music stores, book stores, toy stores ~ movie tickets

Audio/Visual Items: recent release DVD movies rated G, PG or PG-13 ~ Children/Adolescent music CDs (nothing with a parental advisory please) ~ Polaroid 600 Plus film ~ Relaxation DVD/CDs (scenery to soft music)

Legacy-building Activities: Clay Keepsake Memory Tin (proudbody.com) ~ Precious Imprint Tin (webstergroup.us)

Video Games / Electronics. (area of high need): PSP & games ~ iPod & iTune gift cards ~ other handheld games ~ Nintendo Game Cube games. *Please note that games must be rated for all ages and be non-violent.

Things you can make: patient dolls ~ activity bags ~ comforters & blankets ~
Please contact the department for specifications.

We are always in need of activity books (word searches, crossword puzzles),
Play-Doh, coloring books, crayons, markers, watercolors, stickers, construction paper, tape, glue sticks, safety scissors, colored pencils, beads and other arts & craft materials, and seasonal decorations.

Thanks for your support!