Special Events and Donations

In order to be considered for hosting an event, please submit your application 6-8 weeks prior to your anticipated event. Please note, no groups will be contacted or scheduled without first submitting the online application. We appreciate your understanding that our decisions regarding special event groups take into account what is best for the patients and families we serve.

Please review the special events requirements and guidelines below before submitting your application to ensure this opportunity meets your goals and expectations.

Please visit our Special Events Tips for more information on interacting with our patients here at Children’s Health.

If you or your company would like information on hosting or joining a fundraiser that benefits Children’s Health, please visit https://give.childrens.com or contact Kyra Barnett at kyra.barnett@childrens.com .

All donations, along with a completed donation form may be left at the concierge desk in the main hospital valet entrance. If you have a large donation and need assistance, please contact the Child Life Department in advance to schedule your delivery time at 214-456-6280 (Dallas campus) or 469-303-6280 (Plano campus). All toys and stuffed animals must be brand NEW due to infection prevention. Please see the Child Life Toy Wish List for needed items.

If you’d like to make a monetary donation, please visit https://give.childrens.com

Who can come to Special Events?

For the safety of our patients, we ask that all group members are at least 16 years of age and in good health the day of your visit. Groups with members under 18 years of age must have an adult chaperone present during the visit. In addition, we ask that only members of the visiting group/organization attend. Absolutely no children under the age of 16 are allowed due to infection -prevention guidelines.

Group size is limited to 8 volunteers for a playroom event.

Due to the high number of visits from community organizations, groups are limited to volunteering once per quarter.

Can my company host a visit?

If you are inquiring on behalf of a company or corporate group, please do not fill out the application.  Instead, visit give.childrens.com/corporate-giving for more information on how to get your company involved in supporting Children’s Health, or email your inquiry to corporate@childrens.com .

What should we bring?

Playrooms offer opportunities for patients and families to engage in crafts and activities. We ask that those individuals and groups interested in hosting a special event bring crafts that can be completed in 15-20 minutes and should be adaptable for children between 3-12 years of age. Craft ideas can be found at various craft stores or online. No food, candy or beverages may be brought into the playroom.

What should we wear?

For your safety, group members must wear close-toed shoes and clothing that is comfortable and modest for a pediatric environment.

Are costumed characters permitted to visit?

All mascots and character visits must be approved in advanced. If your group is interested in bringing a mascot or costumed character, the suit must be dry cleaned prior to your visit and indicated on your Special Event Application. A picture of the costumed character must be attached to the special event application.

Can we take pictures of our event?

No photography or video of patients will be allowed without prior approval to protect patient confidentiality. You may take photos of your group only. Please speak with the Special Events/Art Program Coordinator or Child Life Manager prior to your visit for assistance contacting Public Relations with media requests.

Are cell phones and other belongings allowed?

All cell phones must remain on vibrate or silent mode in the playrooms. Please step out of the playroom should you receive an emergency call.  Purses, bags, etc. can be locked in a closet upon request