Kids love toys! And when kids are in the hospital, toys have a special kind of magic.
Studies show that toys can aid in the healing process, create a sense of normalcy, and bring moments of happiness to them. “It’s more important than ever to collect toys for children in hospitals,” says Curtis Valentine, General Manager, Car-Mart of Rogers, Ark. Curtis’s team collected 2,250 toys for last year’s drive.
That’s why, every November, Car-Mart hosts its annual Holiday Toy Drive, delivering joy and cheer to kids in the hospital during the holiday season.
“Getting a toy while in the hospital, especially during the holidays, can have a huge impact on a child’s well-being,” Curtis continues. “This is the reason behind our Holiday Toy Drive.”
The joy of toys for kids in the hospitals
Parents with children in the hospital understand the significance of toys.
“I know what it feels like from a parent’s standpoint and having my child pick out toys. You get stuck at the hospital and wonder how you’re going to have Christmas for your kid,” says Angie Purter, Area Operations Manager, Prattville, Ala. Angie’s daughter, Makyah, spent a few Christmases at the hospital. [Learn more about Makyah’s journey].
“I know from first-hand experience the toys make a difference for the kids at the hospital. It means quite a bit,” says Josh Sanders, General Manager, Owasso, Okla. “Being off work and not knowing what you’re going to do for the kids for the holidays – that’s tough,” says Josh Sanders, General Manager, Owasso, Okla. Josh’s son, Zakariah, was born in the Children’s Hospital at St. Francis with a gastro issue. [Read Zakariah’s story].
“If there’s a child in the hospital over the holiday, they are already going through so much, and they know it’s Christmas time,” says Taylor Hernandez, Regional Operations Support Manager, Region 4. “I can relate to how the parents must feel. They’re stressed and worried about how their child is going to have Christmas. So, when the hospital provides Christmas, it’s very special.” Taylor’s son, Eddie, was a nine-year patient at a children’s hospital. [Learn more about Eddie’s story].
Toys are motivation for kids
“It’s so hard to be a child in the hospital during the holidays. That’s the main reason these toy drives are so important. The kids can feel the support of the community behind them. And they know the community is rallying around them,” says Rebecca Neely, Senior Development Officer. “All throughout the year, our nurses and doctors are able to give toys to kids who are having a tough time because of the support of the community.” [Read more about the Magic of Toy Drives.]
All toys collected from the Holiday Toy Drive are given to hospitalized children and their siblings for use during the holidays or year-round. “It’s about the family. Putting a smile on their faces – even if it’s for 15 minutes,” concludes Crystal Kuster, Assistant Small Claims Manager, Claremore, Okla., and the organizer of Car-Mart’s first toy drive. “If we can remove them from their reality and help them forget what’s going on, that’s what it’s all about – giving them a moment of happiness.”
Give a Toy, Share the Joy
During our Holiday Toy Drive 2023, enjoy $699 Down on select vehicles when you bring in 6 new, unwrapped toys (valued at $10 each).
All toys will be donated to area children’s hospitals.
*On retail vehicles priced at $16,999 or less. With approved credit. See dealer for details. This promotion may not be combined with any other promotional offer. Example: $699 down. 182 weekly payments of $7.42 per $1000 financed at 18% APR. Interest rates may vary by state of purchase.
Get Involved with our Holiday Toy Drive
For sponsorship opportunities with Car-Mart’s toy drive, contact Veronica Lynch at veronica.lynch@car-mart. If you want to donate a toy or two, drop them off at your nearest Car-Mart before Saturday, December 9.
