The Toy Foundation awarded 37 projects at hospitals across the nation, recognizing programs that highlighted the importance of play in pediatric care, particularly those in underserved communities. In 2025, Stroger Hospital cared for more than 9,200 children across its emergency department, pediatric ICU and inpatient and observation units. Ruthie Charendoff, Certified Child Life Specialist for Stroger’s pediatric emergency and trauma departments, said the grant would be used to fund toys and therapeutic books for patients through the hospital’s PlayForward initiative. PlayForward supports child development by promoting emotional well-being, strengthening coping strategies, and encouraging growth in and out of the hospital. The Toy Foundation’s Play Fund program is the only industry-wide funding initiative that brings the power of play to hospitals. Cook County Health continues to expand efforts to support its youngest patients. Stroger Hospital recently reopened a renovated inpatient pediatric playroom and launched a storytelling program that allows staff to record short stories for children to listen to during their hospital stay.