University brings Phoenix Children's Hospital cheer over the holidays

Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH) gives hope for recovery to thousands of families across Arizona and the Southwest year-round. During the holidays hope is ever-present through the kindness of the hospital staff and surrounding community. As one of the University’s key community partners, PCH holds a special place in the hearts of our staff. Throughout the holiday season, our volunteers spent time making the holidays brighter for PCH patients.

Brian Swartz, CFO of Apollo Group Inc., the parent company of University of Phoenix, sits on the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Board. Swartz and his family helped with hospitality roles at the hospital. They delivered bears to patients and spent time visiting with families.

The week before Christmas, Apollo Group’s External Affairs department volunteered at Santa’s Toyland. Each year, parents of patients are invited to shop for gifts for their children without having to leave the hospital. The free event is held for two days and Toyland is kept full with gift cards and toys for infants to teenagers. Once parents chose their gifts, our volunteers wrapped the presents as well as handed out Christmas trees, stockings and holiday decorations. Some lucky volunteers also got to hang out in Toyland stocking shelves.

From Dec. 5–20, the International/Tribal Division held a toy drive for Max’s Market. This foundation was established by a family whose son was treated by PCH. The goal of Max’s Market is to provide clothing and toys for patients throughout the hospital, ultimately, helping them smile and perhaps forget the pain of illness if only for a short time. The foundation seeks the donation of clothing and toys throughout the year. The International/Tribal Division donated more than 200 new toys. “Our entire family would like to thank all of you at University of Phoenix for your extremely generous support this holiday season,” shared the Marangella Family, founders of Max’s Market. “With your help, we were able to make sure that every child in the hospital for Christmas was able to receive a gift from Max's Market.”