Children at Carle Foundation Hospital, 611 W. Park St., will feel a little more comfortable when they check in for treatment thanks to a donation of toys received this month.

Kids Wish Network, a non-profit organization that grants wishes for ailing children, accepts donations from major toy manufacturers and transfers them to hospitals. The program, called the Holiday of Hope Gift Bank, allowed for $60,000 of new toys for children of all ages to be given to the hospital.

Stephanie Sleight, Holiday of Hope’s hospital coordinator, is in charge of searching out hospitals that qualify for the gift.

“We look for places that service a large pediatric population, or that have ties with the Children’s Miracle Network … ones that will really appreciate the toys,” Sleight said.

Specialists at the hospital will make sure that each child admitted is offered a toy, regardless of the reason or area of the hospital to which they are checked in.

The children will also keep the toy chosen from one of the six truck palettes received with money from AmerenIP. The toys are currently grouped by age and stored on site.

However, Chris Wetzel, manager of the pediatric department for Carle Foundation Hospital, said the hospital hopes to build a special facility to house the donations in the future.

Supplies from the original donation are planned to last for one year, at which time they will reapply for the program.

The gift aims to help alleviate the initial fears and anxieties that children often experience when entering the hospital, Sleight said.

“Children can be frightened, confused, and upset when they come in,” Sleight said. “They may not understand what is going on, but every child understands a toy.”

Wetzel said unlike programs that focus on giving that one, big wish to children in need, this program concentrates on the little everyday heroes.

“Giving a child a toy helps normalize what’s happening and calm them,” Wetzel said. “That way, we’re better able to treat their health issues. Children, especially, can have a hard time letting health care providers approach them. If you can offer them a toy, it can help make the bridge so they may not be as scared.”