Virtue Restaurant’s “Get Up & Give” Virtual Toy Drive to Benefit Children at UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s not too early to start thinking about holiday gift-giving, and especially how your gifts can bring cheer to local children and families in need.

 

Erick Williams, chef/owner of Hyde Park’s Virtue restaurant at 1462 E. 53rd Street, has launched a virtual toy drive to support children at UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, with support from the University of Chicago’s Commercial Real Estate Operations (CREO) department. The hospital has a year-round need for new toys, books, and games for its patients, particularly at the holidays. Comer’s Child Life and Family Education program distributes gift bags for children, and also operates a free store where parents of patients can shop for their children.

 

“The pandemic has reduced the number of office groups that typically contribute to our yearly drive, and we are so grateful for the support from Virtue at this critical time of the year,” said Amy Carter; MS, CCLS, and Lead Child Life Specialist/Donation Coordinator for Comer Children’s Hospital.

 

Donors may shop online at 57th Street Books and purchase a gift card in any denomination that will be used to supply the hospital with a range of the board books, picture books, and early reader books most in demand for patients. Toys Et Cetera is open for in-person, telephone, or online shopping, and is offering to match toy donations of an equal or greater value. For online orders, please choose “local pickup” and include “Comer donation” in notes.

 

Donations are being accepted now through December 18, and more information is available here.

 

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