TidalHealth employee generates wave of support for Brooke’s Toy Closet

DELMARVA – Brooke’s Toy Closet has received a flood of donations thanks to one TidalHealth employee.

Brooke’s Toy Closet provides new toys to children in the Emergency Department and Pediatric Units at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke. The program was inspired by Brooke Mulford, a girl who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2009 at the age of 4. Brooke wanted to give toys to kids in the hospital to make their time there a little easier. She passed away in June 2017, but her memory carries on through Brooke’s Toy Closet.

In June, Dale Wigglesworth, Administrative Assistant for the Emergency Department at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, shared photos of the empty shelves in the Brooke’s Toy Closet storage area, in hopes of getting friends and family to donate much-needed toys. The post went viral and generated a tidal wave of donations from supporters throughout Delmarva and the country.

“I never dreamed my post would get so much recognition,” said Wigglesworth. “When I started seeing the donations pouring in, I was in tears. I am thrilled to make a difference and help Brooke’s dream stay alive. She was truly an inspiration and a fighter who always smiled no matter what struggles she was facing.”

Brooke’s Toy Closet serves thousands of pediatric patients a year at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and now serves many more through the newly opened closet at TidalHealth Nanticoke. The TidalHealth Foundation has received an overwhelming and incredible steady stream of donated toys over the past month, which we’re told have filled the shelves, nooks, and crannies of their storage areas.

If you would like to donate to Brooke’s Toy Closet, there are two ways to do so:

• In person: Call the TidalHealth Foundation at 410-543-7140 to arrange your donation in Salisbury or Seaford. Toys must be new with tags or in the box; used toys are not accepted
• Amazon: You can purchase toys for Brooke’s closets through an Amazon wish list managed by Brooke’s mom, Amy, who works with the Foundation. That wish list can be accessed here