JLRV Collects More Than 3,000 Items During Carilion Children’s Toy Drive

Roanoke, VA, December 8, 2020 – The first ever Junior League of Roanoke Valley (JLRV) toy drive was a huge success thanks to you! The holidays are going to be much brighter for children in the Carilion Children’s hospital thanks to community donations. Because of COVID-19 safety guidelines, children must remain in their hospital rooms. They won’t get visits from Santa, performers to keep them entertained, or be able to play with other children in the playroom.

During the three week event, the Junior League collected more than 3,000 toys and other needed items through a drive-thru toy drive, Amazon wish list and buying what’s needed with $1,800 in monetary donations. Members also created 200 craft kits for children to have something to do during their time in the hospital.

“Normally we are very fortunate to have a number of local businesses and partners participate in toy drives over the holiday season, but that number has been reduced greatly as so many offices are still working from home due to COVID. The toy drive organized by the JLRV has been instrumental in helping Carilion Children’s build up their holiday toy inventory,” said Erin Henderson, Program Director for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“The Junior League of Roanoke Valley is blown away by the community support we’ve received for our very first toy drive. It’s very gratifying to know that all of the toys, craft kits, and monetary donations will make such an impact for the patients at Carilion Children’s,” said Katie Jones, Executive Vice President of Junior League of Roanoke Valley.

You can still donate by visiting Carilion Children’s Amazon wish list and purchase the item(s) to be directly mailed to the hospital. Please visit https://www.jlrv.org/toy-drive/ for the details. Any toys left over after the holidays will be given out throughout the year.

A big thank you to our partners. Wheeler Broadcasting provided PSAs on all of their radio stations.

Lawrence Companies provided a truck, boxes, and transportation of toys.