Christmas morning is special to children of all ages, especially those who are anxious to see what Santa Claus left under the tree.

The Hospital Maintenance Department has worked tirelessly to ensure children in UAB Hospital awaiting a transplant, fighting cancer or seeking treatment for some other disease still experience the joys of the Christmas holiday. Santa will make his appearance this year on Thursday, Dec. 17.

The Hospital Maintenance Department has spent several decades working to ensure these children experience the joys of the holiday at a party with Santa and gifts. This year will mark the 28th annual Christmas Toy Fund celebration and fund drive benefitting the Child Life Program.

“This is an event that we absolutely love to do,” says Doug Williams, an electrician who is directing the efforts for the eighth year. “We look forward to hosting this event for the children and their families. It’s truly a highlight of the year for us.”

This year’s Christmas Toy Fund celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second floor of the North Pavilion Atrium. The Hospital Heartbeats will be performing, Santa will make an appearance, and refreshments will be served. All faculty, staff and students are invited.

Donations for the purchase of toys and supplies for the program are being accepted. Please send a check payable to the UAB Maintenance Pediatric Toy Fund, 619 19th St. South, Room S036, Birmingham, AL 35294.

“Obviously this has been a very difficult year for many in our community, so we’re behind on donations,” Williams says. “Any support from Santa’s elves among UAB employees and friends to help ensure this Christmas is extra special for the children and families who will spend it in the hospital will be appreciated. No donation is too small, and it will be going to a fantastic cause.”

The Child Life Program, which cares for hundreds of children at UAB each year, helps reduce the stress experienced by children and families and helps them cope with potentially traumatic situations. In addition to providing gifts to hospitalized children, the toy drive helps fill the toy chest in the playroom on 5 North, says Jane Love, director of Child Life.

“This would not be possible without the toy drive that our Maintenance Department does year after year,” Love says. “This fund makes it possible for us to purchase toys, crafts, crayons, coloring books and movies. Child Life and the 5 North Staff are thankful for the Maintenance Department and the UAB family who support this endeavor so much every year. It truly makes a difference and has an impact on the children and their families.”

For more information, contact Williams at 934-6181 or dowilliams@fab.uab.edu, or Tabatha Issac at 975-3231 or tissac@uab.edu.