Thanks to the generosity of Michelle Domb, Sruli Anatian, and Toys for Hospitalized Children, Schneider Hospital in Central Israel will soon have a dedicated playroom. This special space will bring comfort, joy, and healing to young patients in memory of the Bibas family.
Updated: Jan 14
Today we celebrate our partnership with Good Samaritan Hospital, highlighting The Happy Shop, an immersive “shopping” experience for hospitalized children.
We honored Childlife Specialists Kate Fenton, Danielle Szewczuk and Katie Mascia.
Our President JJ Hecht and Board Member Lauren Samter visited the children to spread love and cheer, and presented the awards to the Childlife Team.
Follow us on Instagram for more updates on The Happy Shop and this partnership.
The elevator opened on the 10th floor of the Safra Center, to a room filled with laughter, music, and sparkling lights, thirteen brave children battling cancer enjoying a Hanukkah Wonderland. The event was organized by Toys for Simcha and graciously hosted by philanthropist Michelle Domb. JJ Hecht, CEO of Toys for Simcha, shared, "The Tzemach Tzedek taught, 'Think good, and it will be good,' a belief that positive thoughts can shape reality. This principle is the inspiration for our work. We create joyful, uplifting environments for hospitalized children, knowing that happiness can aid healing. Happy kids heal faster."
The room sparkled with light-up balloons and decor by Simply Stunning. A tower of exquisitely wrapped presents greeted guests at the door, a candy wall and sufganiyot cart took center stage, and a face-painting, balloon-making corner was the icing on the cake.
The children and their families played, danced, and celebrated, forgetting their immense pain and challenges. After a delicious meal, the kids enjoyed a fantastic musical performance by Sandy Shmueli and Moish. The kids clapped along to upbeat tunes spiced with jazz. Next, they kindled the menorah. The candlelights glistened, but nothing shone brighter than the faces of the adorable children. The evening ended with the kids showing off their moves on the dance floor with DJ Jewel NY. All the vendors volunteered their services to bring joy to the kids.
On her way out, one mom shared, "Thank you! The party was incredible, but the biggest gift was witnessing my daughter laughing and giggling like any other kid."
Toys for Simcha is on a mission to bring happiness to sick children. Why? Because happy kids heal faster. This party was their mission in action!
Thank you to all the vendors for donating their time and expertise.
You made it magical for the kids!!
Simply stunning @rentafete
Beautiful balloon art @balloonsbycaro
Delicious food @parkeastkoshernyc
Amazing melodies @moish_official & Shmuely Sandy
Great energy @dj_jewel_ny
Magical touch @magicalgarber
Toys @daniellamoffsonfoundation
IN ACTION
Mrs. Goldstein, a volunteer from Ann Arbor Michigan, visited the Motts Children's Hospital and told us the following:
"…a nurse from another floor asked me for a Hello Kitty activity book for one of her patients. Towards the end of our stay, the nurse called our floor and said "the little girl was so happy with her gift that she immediately grabbed the marker and started coloring. Everyone was floored! This girl had injured her right arm and, until then, had not been responding to physical therapy!"
