Starlight Children’s Foundation Launches Play Week Initiative to Commemorate International Day of Play

Starlight’s Play Week aims to help kids in hospitals unleash the healing power of play  

LOS ANGELES, June 6, 2025 – Starlight Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce the inaugural Play Week campaign, from June 6 to June 15, celebrating the healing power of play for kids in hospitals and their families. The campaign will feature a community streaming event, including brick-building and play-based content creators joining forces to raise $24,000 to fund the delivery of 30 pallets of toys to seriously ill kids nationwide. Play Week will also commemorate International Day of Play, recognized by the United Nations, to highlight the importance of play for children.  

“Starlight is an essential provider of play-based tools that child life teams and healthcare professionals rely on to support pediatric patients. Pediatric patients are kids first. When kids can play in the hospital, it helps normalize the experience and improves treatment compliance, which can lead to better health outcomes. Playing with toys can also reduce the need for sedation, which can produce long-term health benefits,” said Adam Garone, CEO of Starlight Children’s Foundation. "This important fundraising campaign supports our mission of delivering happiness to hospitalized kids and their families, helping make the journey to recovery a little brighter.” 

Hospital stays can bring fear, frustration and anxiety for kids and that’s why Starlight exists.  Through its offerings of play-based programming, kids can find relief and positive distraction from tests and procedures. When play is at the heart of a child’s treatment, it can have a substantial positive effect, reducing pain levels, helping kids feel more prepared and comply with treatment, while supporting childhood development. 

Starlight offers its vital programs free of charge to its nationwide network of children’s hospitals and healthcare facilities. Through partners such as the LEGO Group, Hasbro, Inc. and others, Starlight provides high-quality toys and games that every child loves, reaching 3 million kids annually at 824 hospitals across the U.S.  

Starlight Children’s Foundation invites individuals, corporations, and the community to support Starlight’s Play Week campaign and make a lasting impact on the lives of children facing illness. 

To learn more, visit starlight.org.