Ochsner Children's launches annual Summer Toy Drive

Why toys matter in a hospital setting 

At Ochsner Children's, toys are not extras; they are essential tools. Certified child life specialists use donated items every day to help children understand what is happening during their care, reduce fear and feel more in control during hospital stays. These specialists work alongside the medical team to prepare children for procedures, ease anxiety through play and support siblings and families during difficult moments. 

“A toy may seem small, but for a child in the hospital, it can bring comfort, distraction and a sense of normalcy during a difficult time,” said Danielle Dugas, child life specialist, Ochsner Children’s. “Through play, children can express themselves, cope with stress, and simply be kids, even while receiving medical care.”  

From a toddler playing with a toy before surgery to a teenager finding calm during a long recovery, every donated item helps a child feel safer, supported and seen.  

How to participate 

Community members across the Greater New Orleans area can support Everett's Toy Chest in several ways:  

• Drop off a donation: Bring brand new toys, books, puzzles, games or craft kits to any participating drop-off location across New Orleans and Metairie 

• Shop and donate: Visit participating local retailers, many of which offer discounts on items purchased for the drive 

• Spread the word: Tag @OchsnerChildrens and @Ochsner_Philanthropy on social media to help expand the reach of the campaign  

Donation guidelines 

Accepted donations include brand new toys in original packaging as well as books, games, puzzles and craft kits for infants through teens. To protect the health and safety of patients, the program cannot accept stuffed animals or cloth items.  

Participating locations  

• Adventure Quest Laser Tag - 1200 S Clearview Pkwy 1106 Suite 1106, New Orleans, LA 70123 

• Arnaud's - 813 Bienville Street New Orleans, LA 70112 

• Audubon Clubhouse by Dickie Brennan & Co. - 6975 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118 

• Barracuda Taco Stand – Algiers - 446 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114 

• Barracuda Taco Stand - New Orleans - 3984 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115 

• Bricks and Minifigs - A LEGO Store - 701 Metairie Rd., Suite 210 Metairie, LA 70005 

• The Chloe - 4125 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115 

• Create & Play Club - 2565 Metairie Road, Suite 103 Metairie, LA 70001 

• Dat Dog Frenchmen - 601 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA 70116 

• Dat Dog Magazine - 3336 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70115 

• JuJu’s Kids Boutique - 5508 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70115 

• Le Jouet - 1700 Airline Drive Metairie, LA 70001 

• Learning Express - 3300 Severn Ave, Metairie, LA 70002 

• Little Miss Muffin Children & Home - 766 Harrison Avenue New Orleans, LA 70124 

• Mahony's Po-Boys - 3454 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115 

• Mosca's - 4137 US HWY 90 WEST, Avondale, Louisiana 70094 

• Pippen Lane - 2930 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70115 

• Sharkey's Cuts for Kids - 701 Metairie Rd Ste 2A109, Metairie, LA 70005 

• Tana - 2919 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70001 

• Walmart - Neighborhood Gretna - 99 Westbank Expy, Gretna, LA 70053 

• Zuka Baby - 701 Metairie Road, Suite 1A-109 Metairie, LA 70005  

Get involved 

The toy drive runs throughout July. Community members who would like more information about donating or participating can visit ochsner.org/toydrive or contact Riley Harmon at communitychampions@ochsner.org.