4/02/2026
CHRISTUS Children’s is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of an $18,797 grant from The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) Children’s Hospital Play Grants Program.
The grant will support the purchase of two Vecta multisensory machines and an LED marble tactile wall for the inpatient rehabilitation playroom. These additions will enhance both rehabilitation and Child Life services by expanding opportunities for therapeutic play, supporting sensory regulation and promoting developmental stimulation.
Many children receiving care in the rehabilitation unit experience prolonged hospital stays and participate in daily therapy sessions. Integrating multisensory equipment is designed to reduce anxiety, encourage movement, strengthen coping skills and support emotional and developmental growth throughout recovery.
“We’re thrilled to bring these tools to our patients,” said Ian Thompson, Jr. M.D., president and chief development officer of CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “This investment allows us to create a more engaging and comforting environment, one that truly supports the unique needs of the children we serve.”
CHRISTUS Children’s is one of only 37 hospitals and health systems nationwide selected to receive a Children’s Hospital Play Grant. TTF is distributing these grants across the country, representing a meaningful investment in programs that bring joy, comfort and therapeutic support to hospitalized children.
Play is an essential element of holistic pediatric care, helping ease anxiety, foster emotional well-being and support better health outcomes for hospitalized children. Yet many hospitals depend on external funding to maintain strong play and therapeutic activity programs. TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants help bridge this gap by sustaining these vital services, with a focus on hospitals serving under-resourced communities. Since launching in 2021, the program has brought the healing power of play to more than 825,000 children nationwide. To date, The Toy Foundation has awarded CHRISTUS Children’s more than $33,000 to support bringing joy and comfort to children in need.
“Access to play in a hospital setting is a game-changer for pediatric patients, their families, and their care teams,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director of TTF. “We are proud to unite the toy industry’s generosity, bringing the healing power of play to CHRISTUS Children’s and hospitals nationwide to comfort children when they need it most.”
For more information about TTF’s Children’s Hospital Play Grants program, visit ToyFoundation.org.
