About $45,000 and hundreds of new toys were donated during Wolfson Children's Hospital's 15th annual Christmas in July campaign, which supports the hospital's child life and music therapy programs.
Presented by Subaru of Jacksonville, the monthlong drive concluded with Santa Claus visiting young patients and delivering donated toys.
"Year after year, our community shows us that the spirit of giving extends far beyond the holiday season," Wolfson President Allegra Jaros said. "Every toy donated and every dollar contributed during Christmas in July helps create moments of comfort, joy and hope for children and families during some of their most difficult days."
The community's generosity "makes it possible for our patients to experience the healing
power of play throughout the year," she said.
The Subaru dealership collected toys at its showroom during July and contributed $25,000 to the campaign.
The Jacksonville hospital's certified child life specialists and music therapists use toys and musical instruments "to help children understand medical procedures, reduce fear and anxiety and create moments of play and normalcy during treatment," according to Wolfson. "These tools also support children's emotional well-being and developmental milestones while in the hospital."
Last year's Christmas in July campaign raised $43,000 — including a $25,000 Subaru of Jacksonville gift — and hundreds of toys. To donate year round, check out the hospital's Amazon Wish List or make financial contributions at WolfsonChildrens.com/Give.
Nonprofit Wolfson, part of the Jacksonville-based Baptist Health, is the only children’s hospital in Northeast Florida and serves as the pediatric referral center for North Florida and South Georgia. The 281-bed hospital has pediatric specialists representing nearly every medical and surgical specialty who care for children with congenital heart conditions, cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and endocrinology disorders, orthopedic conditions, behavioral health conditions and traumatic injuries, among other things.
In U.S. News & World Report,s 2026 Best hospitals report, Wolfson was nationally ranked in two pediatric specialties, eighth best children's hospital in Florida and 17th in the Southeast region
Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at bcravey@jacksonville.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Santa in shorts! 'Christmas in July' brings joy to Wolfson patients
