January 6, 2026 by Hingham Public Schools
This December, East Elementary School’s 4th graders successfully led a toy drive to collect items for the Tufts Medical Center Family & Child Life Services Department, where donations will be distributed to young patients undergoing treatment for a wide range of medical needs. By the time of the early-January drop-off to Tufts, the students had collected well over 1,000 items—a total that surpassed all expectations.
Student-created posters canvassed the elementary school, and students found creative ways to raise money for toy purchases, including completing yard work for neighbors and even helping to build an ice rink!
The toy drive culminated with a visit from Cat, a Child Life Specialist from Tufts, and Facility Dog Dottie, who presented to students at East Elementary’s December all-school meeting. Cat shared what life is like for pediatric patients and how these donations make a real difference during difficult procedures and long hospital stays.
The 4th grade at East School has a strong history of giving back through community service projects. In 2023, students raised funds to support a school in Hawaii devastated by wildfires. In 2024, they organized support for a school in North Carolina impacted by severe flooding.
Thank you to the entire community for participating in this drive—the East 4th-grade students and the entire Tufts team greatly appreciate your support. You can continue to support Tufts Medical Center Family & Child Life Services throughout the year by purchasing items from their Amazon Wish List or by making a financial contribution directly through the link. You may also mail a check made out to “Tufts Medical Center” to Child Life Services at Tufts Medical Center, Attn: Cat Kurban, 25 Harvard Street, Boston, MA 02111 (please specify the Family & Child Life Services Department for financial contributions, if desired) .
Full URL/Links:
Child Life Services: https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/services-treatments/pediatrics/child-life-services
Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TFFCMNOQCOC0?ref_=wl_share
Tufts Donation Page: https://giving.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/give