Please review the guidelines below before applying to host a special event at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.
Special Event Guidelines
Planning your visit:
- Group Volunteer/Special Events are scheduled as availability allows on weekdays. Due to limited staffing, unfortunately it is rare that we can schedule a weekend event.
- 16 years of age is our recommended guideline for visitors to patient units. Those younger than this guideline may be permitted to participate in activities on our lobby level.
- Our preferred group size is 5 to 10 volunteers; however, slightly larger groups may be permitted for lobby performances or parties. One adult chaperone is required for those participating under the age of 18. Group size is based upon activity.
- Special visitors may not distribute, discuss or plan activities of a religious or political nature; with the exception of holiday events and with prior approval from our Le Bonheur staff. Those who would like to participate in chapel services, please contact Le Bonheur’s Spiritual Care Team (901) 287-5661. Activities and performances must be family-friendly and may not include sexual references, violence, physical harm, alcohol/drug use, or death. Musical performance requests must include a song list.
- If hosting an event please note: only mylar balloons (no latex) are permitted due to safety and allergy concerns, decorations cannot be placed on walls, and glitter/confetti is discouraged.
- Please check with Volunteer & Family Support to obtain the minimum number of items needed for your visit.
- Refreshments for Event Space parties must be purchased from a restaurant or grocery store. No homemade treats are permitted. Also, avoid any items that contain nuts or nut butters. Healthy options are best.
- Please be mindful of your attire. We ask that you do not wear shorts, tank tops or clothing with inappropriate logos or messages. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
During your visit:
- Parking is complimentary on our campus, but spaces are limited. Make plans to carpool. Please tell us in advance if you will be bringing a large van or bus so that we can make arrangements. A map of our campus can be helpful in making parking plans. (see below)
- Groups are asked to arrive on time as events are scheduled for a specific block of time and may conflict with another planned activity or group visit. Unfortunately, if your group is more than 30 minutes late, you will be asked to reschedule your visit. We suggest you plan 15 to 20 minutes into your schedule to allow for parking and entering the building. We will greet your group at our main entrance, 848 Adams Avenue, upon scheduled time.
- During your scheduled visit, every member of your group will be required to review and sign a HIPAA privacy statement.
- Photographs of children are not permitted without prior approval from Le Bonheur staff and written consent from the parent or guardian. Any invitations to outside media must be approved by Public Relations at 901-287-6030. Also, do not share phone numbers, social media information or send follow requests to patients while visiting.
- Any member of your group that is ill (fever, aches, chills, or cold) may not participate in the visit.
- Please limit the amount of personal items you bring in to the hospital with you (purses, backpacks, etc.) as our secure storage is limited.
- You and the members of your group must remain with your designated Le Bonheur staff member at all times. Most visits include direct patient contact. Tips: Bend down to the child’s level when approaching him/her, and introduce yourself. Questions relating to a child’s condition are confidential and should not be addressed during your visit. Please keep conversation light and happy.
Parking Instructions
Guests may park in the parking garage at 130 N. Manassas St. Parking is free; just push the green button to get in the garage. The available spaces for guests are just beyond physician parking, which takes up part of the first floor. There will not be signs designated for guest parking in the garage. As long as it is a spot with no sign, you can park there.
After you park, take the elevator to the ground floor then walk down the covered walkway. Follow the signs that say “hospital and outpatient center” (see red line on map). Do not enter the outpatient center, walk all the way to the street. Once you get to the crosswalk, look ahead and you will see a construction fence to the left and a mirrored building to your right. Cross the street carefully and walk in between the fence and the mirrored building. Keep following along that fence and look up, you will see a big blue sign that says “Main Entrance”. Enter the front doors and you will see a large mosaic bird.
If you need to drop off heavy items please pull into the circle drive at 848 Adams Ave. before you park in the garage.
Donations
We are grateful for your support during this time. To ensure that we will be able to use donated items, please review our requirements and reach out to the designated coordinator.
Support the Comfort Cart
The comfort cart provides families with travel-size toiletry items for children and adults who arrive at the hospital during an emergency or whose stay is extended unexpectedly. Check out our amazon wish list here: https://a.co/340XyDl
Most Needed Items:
- Toothpaste* and mouthwash*
- Shampoo* and conditioner*
- Body wash* (due to infection control, we cannot accept or distribute bar soap)
- Deodorant* (men’s, women’s or unisex)
- Lotion*
- Face wash wipes
- Shaving cream* and disposable razors
- Combs, brushes, and ponytail holders
- Dry shampoo*
- Chap Stick and Vaseline
- Baby fingernail clippers
- Q-tip packs*
- Contact solution* and contact cases
- Ear plugs
- Eye sleeping masks
- Phone chargers (BIG need)
- Headphones
- Shower caps
Please note: Items marked with an *asterisk must be travel-sized and ALL items must be brand new. We cannot accept full-sized bottles or used items.
Support Ms. Flinn’s Clothes Closet
Ms. Flinn’s Clothes Closet at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital provides clothing for children and adults who arrive at the hospital during an emergency or whose stay is extended unexpectedly. These items are especially in high demand with the limitations of coming and going due to COVID.
Most Needed Items:
- Preemie, newborn and infant sleepers, pajamas, and bibs: all sizes
- Toddler pajama sets and underwear: all sizes
- Youth pajama/sweat pants, underwear, and sports bras: all sizes
- Adult t-shirts, sweat pants, and pajamas: all sizes
- Men’s underwear: all sizes
- Women’s underwear and sports bras: all sizes
- Shower shoes and slippers for children and adults: all sizes
Please note: All donations to the Clothes Closet must be brand new with tags; elastic waistbands or drawstring are preferred!
Support the Food Pantry
The food pantry at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital provides complimentary meals and snacks for families who need assistance during their hospital stay. Each month, hundreds of families are nourished by items from the food pantry at Le Bonheur. Your contribution to the food pantry ensures meals and snacks will be readily available to families in need. Check out our amazon wish list here: https://a.co/gnKoY6s
Most Needed Items:
- Microwavable soups, pastas, ready-to-eat meals, rice, entrées, and chili
- Microwavable macaroni & cheese bowls
- Cup noodles
- Vienna sausages
- Tuna fish and chicken salad kits
- Ritz and saltine crackers
- Cheese and/or peanut butter cracker sandwiches
- Pop-Tarts
- Granola, protein, and breakfast bars
- Individual bags of chips, cookies, fruit snacks, pretzels, raisins, popcorn and nuts
- Microwavable paper bowls
Please note: All items for the food pantry must be self-opening or pop top, individually packaged and non-refrigerated. We cannot accept any canned goods that require a can opener, expired food or any item that requires a stovetop, pan, or other ingredients in order to cook it. Microwaves are the only available appliance.
Toys
We are accepting donations of new, unused, clean toys.
- Financial contribution to Child Life Fund
- Purchase items from Amazon Wishlist
- Purchase items through Walmart Registry for Good
- Donation drop-off information:
- You may schedule a time to drop off your donation, but this is not required.
- Unscheduled donations may be dropped off at the hospital main entrance (848 Adams Ave) at your convenience.
- If you would like to meet with a member of Volunteer & Family Support, we ask that you schedule your donation in advance.
- Scheduled donations should be set up a minimum of three days in advance by emailing lbvolunteers@lebonheur.org to set up a donation time.
Our Top 10 Needs
- Light-up/musical toys
- Legos
- Rattles and teethers
- Gift cards
- Multi-ethnic dolls, Barbies, action figures
- Games
- Craft kits
- Play-Doh
- Coloring books
- Teen items
Wish List By Age
Infants and Toddlers
- Musical/light-up or pop-up toys
- Rattles and teething toys
- Stacking and nesting toys
- Books
- Plastic links
- Musical crib soothers and mobiles (no cloth)
Preschool Age
- Large blocks
- Cars and trucks
- Baby dolls
- Fisher Price Little People
- Coloring books
- Musical toys
School Age
- Lego sets
- Dolls and action figures
- Plastic animals and dinosaurs
- Toy medical kits
- Remote control cars/airplanes
- Craft kits
Adolescent
- Fingernail polish, make-up and lotion
- Journals, diaries and sketch pads
- Games
- Headphones/speakers
- Advanced art kits and coloring books
- Sports balls
