Child Life Donations
Thank you for your interest in donating to the Child Life Program at Cottage Children’s Medical Center. Donations are deeply appreciated and used throughout the year to provide play, comfort, and entertainment for our patients – both in the playroom and at the beside.
Many donated items also serve as thoughtful gifts for patients celebrating birthdays, holidays, and special milestones during the hospital stay.
Gifts and donations support patients of all ages – from infants to teenagers.
Gift cards
Want to maximize your donation? Gift cards empower our Child Life team to respond to real-time needs — whether it’s a special toy to ease a tough procedure or a birthday surprise that lets a child choose their own gift. Your donation will become a moment of delight for our patients when they need it most.
Our top gift card choices are Amazon, iTunes, and Target in increments of $25.
Digital gift cards can be emailed to cottagechildlife@sbch.org. Physical donations, including gift cards, can be mailed to:
Cottage Children’s Medical Center
Attn: Child Life Toys
P.O. Box 689
Santa Barbara, CA 93102
Care Kits
When our patients and their families are missing home, Care Kits can offer a moment of comfort, play, or calm — as well as a reminder that someone is thinking of them. Whether you're assembling kits solo or rallying a group for a meaningful project, this is a hands-on way to brighten a child’s day.
Get Care Kit Ideas
Handmade Donations
We currently accept the following handmade items as donations:
- Infant blankets
- Fleece-tie and crocheted blankets
- Quilts
Read Our Blanket Guidelines
Donate to Cottage Children’s Medical Center
At Cottage Health, your generosity fuels more than just care — it powers possibility. Every gift to Cottage Children’s Medical Center helps us invest in cutting-edge research, advanced training, and life-changing technology. Your support also ensures that every child receives the care they need, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Together, we are building a lasting legacy of compassion and innovation that will serve generations to come.
Fuel A Child's Future
Child Life Donation FAQ
How do I deliver my donations?
Items purchased from our MyRegisty Wish List will ship directly to our hospital, eliminating the need to schedule a physical drop off.
Otherwise, to schedule a curbside drop-off of donated items, please email cottagechildlife@sbch.org. All donation deliveries must be scheduled in advance between Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Please note that we are unable to pick up donated items.
Do you accept any used items?
No. Due to infection control policies and allergen guidelines, we cannot accept any used or previously owned items. This includes stuffed animals and toys that have only been on display or part of private collections.
All donated items must be brand-new and still in original packaging and/or with original tags.
Items that do not meet these guidelines will be redirected to another charity.
May I deliver my donation directly to patients?
No. We appreciate your generosity, but for the safety and privacy of our patients, you will not be able to deliver your gifts directly to our patients. Our staff will ensure that your gifts are distributed appropriately.
Can you provide me with a receipt for my donation?
Yes. Please complete a Gift-In-Kind Form and bring it with you to your scheduled donation drop off, or email to Ann Peyrat at apeyrat@sbch.org. This form will be used to provide an acknowledgement of your donation on behalf of Cottage Children’s Medical Center.
If you have additional questions about Child Life Donations, please contact Ann Peyrat at apeyrat@sbch.org.
