Franciscan Health Lafayette received a generous donation of toys from the Toys for Tots program during a recent gathering.

In total, 11 full boxes of toys were received that will be distributed to children inside the emergency department, Franciscan Health Family Birth Center Lafayette, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and Franciscan Physician Network Pediatric offices in Western Indiana. This is the third year that Franciscan Health has worked with Toys for Tots and this is the largest amount of toys the ministry has received in that time.

“The Toys for Tots delivery to Franciscan Health means so much to us because it brings not only joy and laughter to the children, but also a sense of hope and warmth during difficult times,” said Jen Eberly, director of development for the Franciscan Health Foundation in Western Indiana. “These gifts remind families that they are cared for and that the spirit of giving can make a profound difference in their lives, especially in a place where healing goes beyond physical care.”

“We received so many toys from Toys for Tots to bring to our emergency department for our patients,” said Regina Nuseibeh, manager of Emergency Services at Franciscan Health Lafayette. “During this time of year, about 20% of our patients are pediatric patients. They come in with illnesses, they come in with injuries and they come in with chronic diseases. When they come into our emergency department, they are very scared. The Toys for Tots program has allowed for us to provide them a toy that gives them a sense of comfort and allows us to connect with our pediatric populations. Toys for Tots brings in a variety of toys and they are for all age groups.”

The Toys for Tots program was founded in 1947 and is operated by the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

Learn more about the Toys for Tots program online.

Media Contact
Tony Veneziano
Media Relations Specialist
Phone: 317-528-7986
Email: Tony.Veneziano@FranciscanAlliance.org