FAQs
How do I get started?
To start your virtual toy drive, register today. Answer a few questions and submit your registration. Once registered, you'll gain access to a Fundraising Center where you can personalize your online fundraising page, access helpful resources, send emails to donors and more.
How do I fundraise?
Take it one step at a time! Customize your online fundraising page, share why you're fundraising and ask friends and family to support your efforts. The Virtual Toy Drive team will also be in touch along the way with helpful tips and tools.
Can others fundraise with me?
Yes, you can invite friends, family and colleagues to join you. Create a virtual toy drive team. Each member will receive their own fundraising page. You will also receive a team page so you can keep track of your team's progress.
How will my fundraising benefit patients and families?
Each donation brings holiday cheer to Boston Children's, ensuring gifts for each patient, virtual Santa visits and special moments throughout the season. Funding also helps fill urgent needs for patient families and the hospital—during the holidays and beyond.
Can I do a Facebook fundraiser for my virtual toy drive?
Unfortunately not. Because of technical changes that Meta (Facebook's owner) has made to Facebook Fundraisers and payment processing, Facebook Fundraisers are no longer compatible with our fundraising systems.
How can individuals donate to my virtual toy drive?
Your supporters can donate by:
- Giving online by credit card on your fundraising page.
- Making a check out to Boston Children's Hospital. Please have your donor write your name and "Virtual Toy Drive" on the memo line so we can ensure the donation is posted to your fundraising page.
- Giving you cash. Write a personal check or exchange cash for a bank check and mail it to us—please do not mail cash. Please write your donor’s information on the envelope so we can add them to your fundraising page.
How should I send my check donations to Boston Children’s?
Please complete this form and mail gifts to us. Once received, we will process and update your fundraising total. If you have questions, please contact toydrive@chtrust.org.
Please mail checks made payable to Boston Children’s Hospital to:
Boston Children’s Hospital Trust
Attn: Gift Services
401 Park Drive, Suite 602
Boston, MA 02215-3354
Will Boston Children’s issue tax receipts to my donors?
Boston Children's will issue IRS-compliant tax receipts if a donation of $250 or more is made payable directly to Boston Children's Hospital with contact information included for the donor.
What if I already collected toys or items?
The hospital is not able to accept donated items from November 15 through January 31. This includes items purchased from our Amazon wish list and any new, used or handmade items. We ask that you donate already collected items to another local organization in need. View the current in-kind donation policy here.
Can I collect and donate gift cards?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept gift cards at this time. Monetary donations allow the flexibility for our child life specialists to meet the unique needs of each patient and family.
Who do I reach out to with more questions?
Reach out to toydrive@chtrust.org or 617-919-6414.
