Our Mission
At Toys For Hospitalized Children we bring happiness and healing to sick kids, empowering children to be kids - not patients. We provide toys accompanied by hope and encouragement to support children and teens struggling with illness. Our Pediatric Playrooms serve as sanctuaries of joy and healing for hospitalized children.
Why A Toy?
To a sick child, a toy is much more than just a gift—it’s a gesture of love. It uplifts fragile spirits and boosts morale. Studies show that positivity can trigger self-healing superpowers.
Happy Kids Heal Faster! ®
Our innovative programs include:
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Joy through a Toy: Hospital Toy Distribution
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The Happy Shop: a shopping experience for a hospitalized kid
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Designing and Building Pediatric Playrooms
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Hospital Musical Entertainment
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Stocking Ambulances with Toys
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Tablets for Teens®: iPad’s for cancer patients
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Sponsoring Hospital Holiday Parties
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Hospital Welcome Kits: Easing the hospital transition for children
Our Leadership
Board of Directors and Officers
Senator George Amedore Jr.
Board Member
Sruli Anatian
Board Member
Eli Cohen
Board Member
Avigail Goldglancz, Esq.
Board Member
Berel Rapoport
Board Member
Binyamina Zahavi
Board Member
Neil H. Kupferman, Esq.
Board Member
Dr. Steven Rubel
Board Member
Rabbi JJ Hecht II
President
Abe Podolsky
Board Member
Lauren Samter
Board Member
Yehuda Hurwitz
Treasurer
Our Team
VP of Logistics
Adam ​Rodriguez
Child Life Ambassador
Marcia D Graham, MA, CC LS
Director of Distribution
Mrs. Baila Hecht
Director of HR
Rachel Shemtov
Sheinkopf Communications
Dr. Rabbi Hank Sheinkopf
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Pulmonologist in NY
Dr. Stanley Sherbell
Musical Director
Moish Wilshanski
Specialty Projects
Lilly Vogel
Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht O.B.M.
Our History
In 1953, Rabbi Hecht visited a Jewish boy in the hospital. He noticed a Nun giving toys to the Christian children and skipping all the non-Christian children. Seeing the sadness in the boy’s eyes, he ran to the nearest toy store and bought a big red firetruck. He came back and presented the gift to the boy. The boy smiled from ear to ear, and Rabbi Hecht knew he did the right thing. Immediately he decided to create Toys for Hospitalized Children, a non-denominational charity to bring happiness and healing to all sick children no matter their race, religion, ethnicity, background, or social standing.