Lurie Children’s Cultural Celebrations Program Reaches More Than 10,000 Young Patients Each Year through Support from The Toy Foundation

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is pleased to partner with The Toy Foundation to further advance the hospital’s Cultural Celebrations program—an initiative that brings culturally relevant, developmentally enriching, and joyful experiences to more than 10,000 young patients each year.  

As part of Lurie Children’s commitment to equitable, family-centered care, the program delivers 21 annual cultural and religious celebrations across inpatient units, outpatient clinics, and satellite locations. Led by the hospital’s Children’s Services team and developed in collaboration with Spiritual Care and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion leaders, each celebration features hands-on activities, inclusive educational content, and authentic cultural representation that support emotional well-being and reduce the stress of hospitalization.  

“With this support from The Toy Foundation, we can continue creating meaningful, patient-centered experiences that reflect the diverse identities of the children and families we serve,” said Nicole Alkaraki, Children's Services Manager “These celebrations strengthen our mission to provide exceptional, compassionate care that honors each patient’s culture, story, and sense of belonging.” 

The Toy Foundation’s grant helps fund materials, cultural partnerships, and enriching programming—including Skylight TV broadcasts and bedside activities—that ensure equitable access for patients with mobility limitations, in isolation, or receiving care across multiple hospital sites.