The Tampa Bay community once again came together in support of BayCare’s St. Joseph's Children's Hospital during its annual Christmas in July donation drive, helping bring comfort, joy and healing to thousands of hospitalized children and their families. Throughout July, families, businesses, organizations and BayCare team members donated their time, resources and support to help ensure pediatric patients have access to the programs, services and experiences that make a hospital stay a little easier.
Presented this year by Gilbane Building Company, the month-long campaign supports programs and services that bring comfort, joy and healing to hospitalized children long after summer ends.
When a cancer diagnosis, traumatic injury or serious medical condition replaces a child's carefree days with chemotherapy treatments, surgeries, medical procedures and extended hospital stays, it can be overwhelming for both children and their families. Donations made through Christmas in July help provide the special attention, support and comforting distractions that are an important part of the healing process.
During the 2026 campaign, the community donated more than $325,000 in funds and toys to support child life services and the creative and expressive arts program at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. These programs provide therapeutic support, play opportunities and meaningful experiences for pediatric patients year-round.
"Year after year, the generosity our community shows through Christmas in July is truly inspiring," said Kate Sawa, president of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation and chief philanthropy officer of BayCare. "Every donation helps bring comfort, joy and a sense of normalcy to our young patients and their families, making a hospital stay a little brighter during a challenging time."
BayCare's child life specialists are trained professionals who use preparation, therapeutic play, education and self-expression to help children and their families navigate the hospital experience. They help children cope with the stress and uncertainty of hospitalization, from unfamiliar surroundings and disruptions to their routines to time away from loved ones and anxiety surrounding medical treatments and procedures.
"These donations have a meaningful impact on our patients throughout the year," said Leslie Dempsey, child life supervisor at BayCare’s St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. "Whether it's a toy that helps distract a child during a procedure, a gift following a treatment milestone, or materials that encourage play and self-expression, these contributions help us provide comfort, support and joy when children need it most."
As Tampa Bay's largest provider of children's health services, BayCare is committed to caring for the whole child, addressing not only medical needs but also emotional and developmental well-being. Funds raised through Christmas in July help provide toys, games, arts and crafts, birthday and holiday gifts, as well as art, music, yoga and massage therapies that help children cope with the challenges of being in the hospital.
The month-long fundraiser concluded July 31 with a grand finale celebration held in front of BayCare's Academic Health and Research Corridor in Tampa, minutes from BayCare's St. Joseph’s Hospital. Community members, corporate partners and BayCare team members stopped by throughout the morning to drop off gifts and donations in support of local children receiving care at the hospital.
While Christmas in July provides a significant boost to help replenish the hospital's supply of toys and activities each summer, year-round support is needed to ensure every child has access to the things that will bring comfort during a hospital stay.
Gifts made throughout the year help support programs and services that benefit pediatric patients and their families. To learn more about supporting BayCare’s St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, visit
give2stjoeskids.org or call the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital Foundation at 813-872-0979.
