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For children spending the summer in the hospital, a toy can be much more than a gift. It can ease anxiety, provide comfort, and offer a welcome distraction during treatment. That was the focus of the 19th annual Christmas in July celebration at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, where hundreds of donated toys transformed a hospital solarium into a holiday wonderland for pediatric patients and their families.
The annual event, organized through a partnership between the New Jersey Police Honor Legion (NJHL) and the hospital’s Child Life team, highlights the role emotional support plays in pediatric care. While nurses care for children’s physical health, Child Life specialists, volunteers, and community partners help ease fear, reduce stress, and create moments of normalcy during hospitalization.
A Holiday Celebration With a Purpose
The Boscamp Solarium was decorated with holiday streamers and filled with hundreds of toys waiting to be chosen by patients. Santa Claus, elves, comic book superheroes, police officers, and Primo, one of Hackensack Meridian Health’s therapy dogs dressed in a miniature Santa coat, joined the celebration. Children chose their own gifts while enjoying pizza and snacks with their families.
“This day is about bringing joy and a little bit of normalcy to the children,” said Marissa Samaan, a senior Child Life Specialist. “This collaboration makes sure that every child in the Children’s Hospital gets some holiday cheer early.”
A Legacy That Continues to Give
The nearly two-decade tradition began with Timothy Sullivan, a 50-year veteran of the Wood-Ridge Fire Department and a first responder during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
While receiving cancer treatment at Hackensack University Medical Center, Sullivan recognized that hospitalized children faced challenges similar to his own and was inspired to create Christmas in July. Although he died in 2022, the New Jersey Police Honor Legion continues the annual toy drive in his honor.
Families See the Difference
For parents, the celebration shows that their children are receiving care that extends beyond medicine.
Four-year-old Grayson attended the event with his mother, Esmeralda Velazquez, and quickly selected a boxed toy truck and car set from the hundreds of available gifts.
“This all makes me feel really good. You know, you bring your child to the hospital, and you expect that they will be well taken care of, but this is extra,” said Esmeralda as Grayson played with his new toys. “A lot of kids are really scared when they come to a hospital. This is our first time in a hospital since he was born here. For the hospital and the police to do something like this for the kids is special; taking their mind off the reality of what’s going on is special and fun. It’s really awesome, and it makes me happy as a mom.”
Why It Matters for Nurses
For pediatric nurses, the celebration demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can strengthen the patient experience. Nurses, child life specialists, therapy dogs, volunteers, and community organizations each contribute to helping children cope with hospitalization.
“There are some kids that are here that’ll be here for a day or two then go home, and other children who are coming from our oncology clinic that might be going through a few years of treatment,” said Dr. Alfin Vicencio, Chair of Pediatrics at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital.
“You cannot say thank you enough to the magic that the Legion provides for our patients,” added Dr. Vicencio.
For nurses, the event serves as a reminder that healing extends beyond medications and procedures. Moments of play, familiar traditions, and compassionate human connection can make even the most difficult hospital stays a little easier for children and their families.
