Toy Cart

A gift of a toy and a book brightens the day of young patients and their families by occupying their time and minds and providing a diversion from pain, illness, and stress.

Toy Cart was the first program established by Assistance League of Austin in 1973 and serves more than 20,000 children and families annually.  Members visit hundreds of children hospitalized at Dell Children’s Medical Center, four days per week, year-round, bringing books, toys, crafts, games, magazines, Barbie dolls, and cuddly stuffed animals.  These newly purchased gifts are individually chosen by each patient as the Toy Cart teams make their rounds.

Our Toy Cart Studio team spreads extra love and comfort by sewing receiving blankets and burp cloths, crocheting caps, and providing onesies for infants throughout the hospital.  Preemies in intensive care  are also given crib sheets, smocks, and positioning aids.  Teens receive hand-crafted fleece blankets, pillowcases, and tote bags.

Assistance League of Austin has been serving hospitalized children for more than 40 years
Lucy T. loves Rufus, her new best friend she selected from the toy cart

“Your Toy Cart is all my son talks about when he remembers his hospital stay.  Thank you for the adorable fire trucks and book; he still plays with them.”

“You helped my grandson smile during his stay.”