Toy Cart
A gift of a toy and a book brightens the day of young patients and their families by occupying their time and minds and providing a diversion from pain, illness, and stress.
Toy Cart was the first program established by Assistance League of Austin in 1973 and serves more than 20,000 children and families annually. Members visit hundreds of children hospitalized at Dell Children’s Medical Center, four days per week, year-round, bringing books, toys, crafts, games, magazines, Barbie dolls, and cuddly stuffed animals. These newly purchased gifts are individually chosen by each patient as the Toy Cart teams make their rounds.
Our Toy Cart Studio team spreads extra love and comfort by sewing receiving blankets and burp cloths, crocheting caps, and providing onesies for infants throughout the hospital. Preemies in intensive care are also given crib sheets, smocks, and positioning aids. Teens receive hand-crafted fleece blankets, pillowcases, and tote bags.
