The Christman Company donated more than 200 toys to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital so that patients have new stuffed animals, books and games during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For health and safety reasons due to the pandemic, toys can’t be shared by the hospitalized children because of stringent cleaning protocols. The children are allowed to take the toys home upon release from the hospital.

“When we learned that the pandemic was presenting new challenges to the children staying at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, such as no longer sharing toys and having playtime together, we wanted to help,” said Marty Gibbs, vice president and general manager for The Christman Company’s operations in Knoxville.

The Christman Company delivered seven boxes of stuffed animals, games and other toys to the hospital on Aug. 7, and hospital staff processed the toys for safe distribution to patients.

“We have had to make many changes to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we appreciate The Christman Company helping us to safely comfort and entertain the children in our care,” said Cheryl Allmon, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital director of volunteer programs and services. “We appreciate Christman coming together on behalf of the patients we serve.”

The donation is a part of The Christman Company’s “Be Constructive” program, a company-wide initiative to be an active and significant contributor to the local communities it serves. The program supports a variety of missions through volunteerism, individual and corporate giving, sponsorships and partnerships.

“The most rewarding thing is knowing these toys will bring a smile to young faces and the children will experience some happiness even though they may be going through a difficult time,” said Carol Frederick, senior estimator for The Christman Company and coordinator of the toy drive.