Nicklaus Children’s Hospital received donations of more than 30,000 toys for patients on Saturday, December 16, during its annual Spread Joy Toy Drive – one of the largest hauls in the event’s history. Thanks to the generosity of the South Florida community, toys with an estimated value of $607,000, were gifted to the hospital to brighten the days of children receiving care at the 309-bed pediatric specialty hospital.  

Each year, the holiday tradition brings together corporate partners and individuals who donate new, unwrapped toys to help bring extra cheer to patients who are admitted at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital during the holidays and throughout the year. 

This year, a special donation was made for a little boy with special needs. Bradley, who is experiencing developmental delays that affect his speech and ability to walk, received an SUV custom-built by CCC Miami.   

On the eight days of Hanukkah and on Christmas morning, every patient admitted at Nicklaus Children’s will wake up with a gift bag of toys and other goodies tailored to their age range. The remaining toys are used throughout the year for patients and their siblings as birthday presents and prizes, milestone gifts, going-home gifts, and for therapy and education. 

This year’s toy drive was sponsored by Delta, FPL, Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law, Dunkin, Shake Shack and DJ Yuny.  

In addition to the drop-off, there are Amazon lists to choose from and the Virtual Toy Drive, which you can donate to all year long! 

Learn more and help spread joy to Nicklaus Children’s patients at www.nicklauschildrens.org/spreadjoy.