Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation host fifth annual holiday toy drive

By Michael Ford
University News Services

For the fifth time in as many years, the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Virginia Commonwealth University has launched a successful toy drive in conjunction with the department's holiday party.

This year PM & R faculty, staff, residents, friends of the department and hospital patrons from the community, contributed more than 300 new toys to the Holiday Toy Fundraiser. All the gifts will benefit children who are patients at VCU's Virginia Treatment Center for Children, ages four to 17.

"This is our department's effort to give something back to the children of the Richmond community," said David Cifu, X. M.D., professor and chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. "As long as there are people who need our help, that's what rehabilitation is all about, this is one small way to show we care about others."

The department has a committee that begins planning for the annual toy drive in September. "We have an amazing staff that enjoys doing this," Cifu said. "They love decorating, buying the gifts and trinkets and this just keeps getting bigger and bigger."

To celebrate the season as well as to thank toy contributors, the department provides great food, door prizes and games at its department celebration.

Gifts donated include CD players, dolls, games, footballs, basketballs and jewelry.

Cifu says the VTTC will use some of the toys for their own holiday celebration and use the remainder for other programs throughout the year.

Last year the department collected more than 100 donations, which were distributed to three local families as well as on the pediatric floor at VCU Medical Center.