April 6, 2026 | When a child is admitted to a hospital, fear and anxiety can often shape their experience. But a powerful industry-wide initiative is proving that access to play can help ease those emotions and positively transform care.

The Toy Foundation (TTF) has released its 2025 Children’s Hospital Impact Report, outlining the nationwide impact of TTF’s Play Fund, the toy industry’s philanthropic program that provides grants and funding to hospitals caring for children.

In 2025, the toy industry’s collective generosity helped support play projects at 23 children’s hospitals, reaching more than 247,000 children in need from coast to coast. These funding initiatives included updating dedicated play spaces, facilitating specialized activities, and expanding sensory-friendly experiences. Since its launch in 2021, TTF’s Play Fund has awarded $1.6 million across 80 projects that have collectively impacted 825,000 children receiving care.

The funded projects span a range of treatment approaches tailored to the unique needs of pediatric patients and bring the benefits of play into day-to-day care. Some examples are outlined below:

• ChildServe in Johnston, Iowa purchased a 3D printer to create adaptable toys. Staff shared that these toys have helped foster joy and engagement among their long-term pediatric patients. One resident described using an AbleHands device as “the best day ever” because she was able to draw on her own.


• At Children’s of Mississippi, staff assembled intentionally curated care packages featuring toys and educational supplies to distribute to both inpatient children and those visiting their clinics. For one patient who loves Spider-Man, a care package filled with themed toys lit up his face and brought tears of joy to his caregiver’s eyes.

Sensory-focused play projects were highly effective interventions to calm patients and increase compliance during exams:

• At Children's Hospital New Orleans, a VECTA portable sensory unit, plus play tools like bubbles, stress balls, and developmental toys, helped to distract and comfort patients during medical procedures. Access to play was so effective that one 4-year-old needed stitches without any sedation because he was entirely absorbed in sensory play with a child life specialist.


• Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood, Florida established a dedicated sensory room with visual, auditory, and tactile elements. Staff reported the updates had an immediate calming effect and promoted emotional regulation, especially for patients with developmental delays or autism.

Beyond fostering a calmer environment, play projects enabled significant developmental progress and patient growth:

• At Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, the inpatient rehabilitation program was able to double the number of reintegration experiences versus previous years, which allowed patients to practice real-life skills. One patient visited a zoo with his therapists and parents, proving he can continue to enjoy these types of experiences, even if they look different from before his brain injury.
• Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital secured toys and hosted activities for long-term pediatric patients that were curated to promote cognitive, physical, and social engagement. As a result, screen time was reduced and patients maintained developmental progress and experienced moments of joy.

“The 2025 impact report makes it clear that play is a critical tool in pediatric healthcare. Play reduces the need for sedation, supports emotional regulation, and restores a sense of normalcy and joy in an environment that can otherwise feel hopeless and scary for children,” said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation.

As a result of this impact, TTF has expanded its funding to children’s hospitals with its largest funding allocation to date. In 2026, more than $600,000 has been awarded to 37 children’s hospitals to incorporate play into day-to-day care for more than 220,000 pediatric patients. Learn more about the 2026 grant distribution here.

For more information about TTF’s Play Fund, to support the program, or to apply for a grant at the next application period, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact the team.