The halls of Texas Children’s are now decked for the holiday season! However, while we are committed to making this celebratory season as memorable as possible for our patients, families and staff, it is also imperative that we shine a light on the numerous safety precautions we must take in order to prevent cases of COVID-19. Through a system-wide approach, an array of holiday programs and experiences have been re-imagined to honor our beloved traditions and bring a season of merriment, while also adjusting to adhering to necessary safety precautions.
- Child Life and Volunteer Services teams will provide a wide array of safe activities and programs, including craft stations, holiday-themed games, goodie bags, photo booths with festive props, letters to Santa stations, as well as personalized virtual experiences with Santa.
- Community donors are allowed to continue providing commercially prepared individually packaged meals for patient families. Food donations for staff will not be accepted.
- This holiday season, special groups will not be permitted to provide onsite activities, serve meals or distribute gifts directly to patients and families.
- As a reminder, potlucks, parties and social gatherings in the workplace should not be held. Please consider other options in celebrating the holidays with your team members. While gatherings are restricted at Texas Children’s, you are encouraged to think through alternative options for celebrating with your team members. Some ideas include facilitating a card exchange or hosting a virtual holiday party via Teams. Learn more about our Holiday Season Guidance.
- If you are planning on attending or hosting a holiday gathering in the community, please be advised that the CDC offers direction and advises that you assess current COVID-19 levels in the community prior to making a determination on whether or not to host an event. Currently, the CDC recommends hosting celebrations virtually or with members of your immediate household only. To learn more, click here.
Thanks to the generous toy and gift donations from families, staff, organizations and our community, Texas Children’s receives many donations during the holiday season. To support this giving, Volunteer Services will host contactless Candy Cane Lane Donation Drive-Through events at designated locations, on Saturday, December 19. Donors may also schedule a donation drop-off by contacting Volunteer Services. For donation-related questions, please contact Volunteer Services at volunteerservices@texaschildrens.org.
Thank you for leading the way and setting an example for your team members, our patients, their families, your families and our community.