Aya Brings the North Pole to Rady Children’s Hospital

Not everyone gets to come home for Christmas. For most of the patients at Rady Children’s, the holidays will be spent in hospital beds or in treatment. That’s why every year, Rady Children’s hosts a toy drive in the San Diego community and then holds a Santa’s Workshop day where patients or their parents can come and select from hundreds of donated toys to be wrapped and put in their rooms for Christmas morning.

For the third year in a row, Aya Healthcare participated by helping with toy drive collections and bringing the North Pole to Rady Children’s. That’s right! Aya employees dressed up as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and their helpful elves to bring cheer to patients and families as they pick out gifts.

A Little Bit of Holiday Magic

Imagine a room full of toys — wall to wall varieties for all ages. For these children and their parents, it’s like stepping right into Santa’s workshop. This small event allows for a bit of magic and normalcy during what is likely the hardest time of their lives.

“It’s really heartwarming to be part of this,” explains Keana McGrath, Marketing Coordinator and volunteer elf. “To see how appreciative the parents are and how the children’s eyes light up when they see Santa — it feels amazing to be able to bring a little bit of joy to these families.”

Aya Healthcare is proud to partner with Rady Children’s Hospital. In the past we’ve collected toys for the Rady toy drive at our Aya offices, and we continue to work with them year-round for events like their wellness fair, Pedal the Cause and Dream Big Walk. Employees also volunteer to cook and serve meals at Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, a place where families who have children at the hospital long term can stay for free.

“It’s amazing that Aya Healthcare not only provides exceptional experiences to our employees, nurses and clients, but that spirit of generosity extends to patients who are truly at the heart of healthcare,” says Alicia Aiken, Regional Director of Client Services (and other volunteer elf). “Participating in an event that serves children receiving care at the hospital and their families during the holidays is a way we go beyond the business partnership and deepen our relationship with the community.”  

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