St George’s Shopping Centre in Harrow today announced that 188 toys were donated to Jack’s Place, the children’s ward at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, as a result of their toy drive over the festive period.
The toys were donated by visitors to the centre as part of its ‘Donation Station’ initiative, which collected new, unused toys for the children staying on the ward over the latter part of 2023.
The Donation Station, which launched at the end of September 2023 and remained in place until January 12th 2024, will remain a permanent fixture at the centre, with a new collection taking place every quarter.
This builds upon St. George’s Shopping Centre’s successful collection drive earlier in 2023 for Cats Protection Harrow and the donation of preloved school uniforms and supplies to assist local families in need over the summer ready for the new school year.
St. George’s Centre Manager said: “I am delighted with the results of our Donation Station, gathering new toys for the children’s ward at Jack’s Place. I want to extend the sincerest of thank you’s to our Harrow community and beyond for supporting this initiative and helping us to make the children’s time on the ward a little more bearable.”
The toys will bring smiles to the faces of the children at Jack’s Place, enhancing the healing environment and providing comfort during their hospital stay. The toys will be used for a variety of purposes, all aimed at making their stay in hospital a little more comfortable as Gail Manning, Registered Health Play Specialist for Jack’s Place at Northwick Park Hospital, explains:
“As a play team we were overwhelmed and delighted. The toys enable us to support so many children through their hospital experience. Being in hospital is scary and many children struggle, and being able to play is so important as it helps them cope and reduces anxiety. The toys donated will be used for play sessions, distractions, gifts and so much more.
“Thank you to everyone who donated to the toy drive at St George’s for the patients on Jacks Place. We can’t wait to share them with the children and young people who attend Jacks Place,” she finished.