Making Christmas Magical for Pediatric Patients at AdventHealth Tampa

TAMPA, Fla. -- For many families, Christmas is a time for cherished traditions, festive fun, and special moments spent together. But for pediatric patients staying in the hospital during the holidays, that joy can feel a little out of reach. At AdventHealth Tampa, the compassionate pediatric team is determined to change that, ensuring the spirit of the season reaches every child in their care.

Thanks to an $8,000 grant from The Toy Foundation, the team at AdventHealth Tampa has gone above and beyond to make Christmas magical for their youngest patients. This year, the grant funded an array of toys and sensory-friendly gifts. On Christmas Eve, these presents will be carefully wrapped and placed outside the doors of children spending the night at the hospital. When they wake up on Christmas morning, they’ll find a holiday surprise waiting just for them.

“For kids in the hospital during the holidays, their normal traditions, fun, and family time are interrupted,” said Sandra Burnetter, director of Pediatric Services at AdventHealth Tampa. “When that is interrupted, it’s nice to be able to give the gift of toy giving, and gifting and kindness, to still be able to come through for them.”

This thoughtful gesture is about more than just gifts—it’s about creating a sense of normalcy and joy in a setting that can feel overwhelming, especially during the holidays. For the clinicians and team members in AdventHealth Tampa’s pediatric unit, it’s a labor of love.

“The holidays are a tough time to be in the hospital, especially for children,” said Siobhan Murphy, child life specialist at AdventHealth Tampa. “Seeing their faces light up when they realize Santa didn’t forget them—those moments make all the difference.”

From bubble machines to sensory toys and everything in between, these gifts have been chosen with care to ensure every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. And it’s not just the kids who benefit—parents also feel the warmth and support of a team that’s dedicated to creating joyful moments for their little ones.

As the team members of AdventHealth Tampa reflect on this year’s holiday season, they’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these children. With the continued support of The Toy Foundation, they’re already looking ahead to expanding the program and bringing even more smiles next year.

This holiday season, AdventHealth Tampa is proving that the best gifts aren’t always wrapped—they’re the moments of connection, care, and kindness that remind us what the season is truly about.

Learn more about Play Grants with The Toy Foundation.