Posted on November 30, 2005 at 2:30 p.m.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — The UAB Hospital Maintenance Department will host its 24th annual Pediatric Toy Fund Christmas Party on Thursday, December 8, in the second floor atrium of the hospital’s new North Pavilion. Holiday music starts at 9:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 10:30 a.m. Santa is set to arrive by fire engine a few minutes later.
More than $10,000 in gifts will be handed out to the 5NE Pediatric Unit at UAB Hospital. Electrician David Smith will play Santa for the second year, while a seven-member band of hospital employees and volunteers provides the holiday music.
Tim Muncher, co-chair of the Toy Fund Committee, said the event started small almost 25 years ago. “I’ve been here 19 years, and understood immediately that this department pays special attention to the kids who are unfortunate enough to be in the hospital during the holidays,” Muncher said. “I was told that the toy fund party started when somebody simply said, ‘We need to do something about these kids.’ It was small at first, but took on a life of its own as the years went by.”
He said, “The whole department — maintenance workers, office staff, everybody — pulls together and takes a lot of pride in doing this every year. I believe we must have raised more than $100,000 over the years.”
When it comes time to buy the presents — which the staff will do December 6 — Jane Love, who directs the hospital’s Child Life Program, gives Muncher and co-chair Doug Williams a long list of what’s needed to keep the pediatric patients distracted from their illnesses.
“The Maintenance Department has taken our kids on their backs to provide so many big-ticket and small toys,” Love said. "Not least, they give a whale of a party, too. It’s all a lot of fun for everyone.”
The music became an integral part of the event six years ago, Muncher said. Three have been with the band the whole way. They are Muncher, who plays the mandolin; Tony Rose, electric guitar; Roger Reynolds, electric guitar; and Tim Sumerel, acoustic guitar. Other members this year are Terry Huffstutler, drums; Sunny Speaker, keyboard; and Jody McCluskey, bass guitar.