The Art of Giving: Supporting Driscoll Children’s Hospital Toy Drive

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July 10, 2025

Every child deserves a reason to smile.

That’s the simple, beautiful idea behind the Kaylee’s Light Toy Drive, now in its second year—and it’s one that Padre Island Art Gallery is proud to support. From now through July 22nd, we’re collecting new toys and gift cards to help restock the toy shelves at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, bringing a little extra joy to children and teens facing some of their hardest days.

Summer can be an especially quiet time for donations—but the need never stops. A colorful board game, a soft stuffed animal, or an art kit can bring more than entertainment. It can offer comfort, distraction, and a much-needed sense of normalcy.

Toy Drive: It’s About the Kids

As someone who sees art as a way to heal and uplift, this initiative is close to my heart. Each donation—a colorful board game, a cozy stuffed animal, an art kit—can become a lifeline. These gifts remind a child they’re not alone. Someone out there is thinking of them. And even when they’re not feeling their best, there’s still room for joy—and moments of play.

It’s an act of kindness that ripples far beyond the moment a toy is delivered.

How You Can Help

We invite you to be part of this meaningful effort:

Drop off a new unwrapped toy or gift card at: Padre Island Art Gallery

Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday, 11a-4p

Friday and Saturday, 12p-4p

Closed Sunday and Monday

One More Reason to Give

This drive is held each July in honor of Kaylee, an Island teen whose spirit continues to inspire. While her light sparked this project, the real impact is happening right now—in hospital rooms filled with giggles, in quiet moments of play, and in the hearts of families who feel just a little more supported. These toys offer more than comfort; they allow an escape—if only for a moment—into a world of creativity and imagination.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support our recent Incognito Art Show. With your generosity, we raised enough to purchase toys for approximately 35 children—and we’re just getting started.

The Toy Drive goal has been set at 500 toys. With your help, we can make this the biggest giving year yet!

Because the art of giving isn’t just about what you donate—it’s about the difference it makes.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community.Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.