Gifts that Grow: UI Health’s Holiday Support for Early Childhood Learning

Thanks to the generosity of our long-standing partner University of Illinois Health, CASL’s early childhood program experienced another holiday season filled with joy and meaningful enrichment.

On December 4^th, CASL staff gathered at UI Health’s Taylor Street location, where executives and employees warmly welcomed with dozens of carefully wrapped gifts as part of UI Health’s annual Miracle on Taylor Street initiative. Each present had been thoughtfully selected with a specific child in mind, transforming a simple donation pickup into a moment of shared gratitude.

In the weeks leading up to the holidays, our teachers thoughtfully created individualized wish lists for each child based on developmental skills, age and interests. UI Health employees selected wish lists and personally shopped for gifts for each child, donating 75 gifts in total for children ages 0-5.

The gifts included play toys like baby dolls, trucks and cars, educational sensory and kitchen toys, activity books and puzzles, and warm clothing- items that directly support early learning and development. The impact of this generosity extends beyond the excitement of the holiday season. These materials will continue to play a crucial role in strengthening fine motor skills, early literacy, creativity and social-emotional growth in classrooms and homes.

For many of our families, especially those who were newly immigrated or facing economic hardship, this kindness also helped ease financial stress during this time of the year. Most importantly, every child felt seen, valued and included, while creating meaningful opportunities for families to learn and play together at home.

We are deeply grateful to UI Health and its employees for their continued generosity and commitment to supporting the children and families in our community!