Published: December 26, 2025
Funding will Support Children with Autism and Behavioral Health Conditions
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital was awarded a $15,000 grant from The Toy Foundation’s Play Fund this past December to give more children access to soothing sensory environments in order to create a calmer and more comforting experience. The Toy Foundation has partnered with children’s hospitals and provided relief to disaster zones nationwide to provide children with comfort when they need it most, helping more than 500,000 children since 2021, according to their website. The Toy Foundation’s new project, C.A.T.C.H. (Creating a Therapeutic and Calming Hospitalization), seeks to improve what can be a harrowing experience for children with autism spectrum disorder, neurodevelopment disorders and behavioral health conditions by providing a space that is calming to the senses so that their emotional health can be looked after as well as their physical well-being. Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital used their grant to create a dedicated sensory room where kids can go to find respite from what can be a hectic and overwhelming experience. Also, they invested in a multi-sensory cart that will allow healthcare workers to quickly respond with a custom approach to patients who have become overstimulated. “Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation is honored to be among the recipients of this impactful grant,” said Kelley Morris, President of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, in a statement issued by the hospital. “With this generous donation from The Toy Foundation we are enhancing our capacity to provide superior patient- and family-centered care, particularly for those patients with special needs who need a safe, calming environment while in the hospital.” The C.A.T.C.H. project was announced in Spring 2025, awarding more $405,000 in Play Fund Grants to 23 children’s hospitals and health systems nationwide. The funding is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of children over the lifespan of the equipment.