Duralabel Donates 373 Toys to Doernbecher Children's Hospital

Duralabel employees collected and donated toys to Doernbecher hospital for a third year.

BEAVERTON, OREGON Dec. 18, 2020 Being in the hospital can be scary or stressful, particularly during the holidays. To help limit these stresses and make the holiday extra special for young patients at OHSU Doernbecher, employees from Duralabel, the manufacturer of the DuraLabel line of industrial sign and label printers and supplies in Beaverton, came through to uplift children's spirits by donating 373 new unwrapped toys and other gifts.

"It's been a difficult year. There is not a more appropriate time than now to help people in need and bring a smile to the faces of children," said Christine Torres, public relations specialist at Duralabel. "Who else could come through and help save the holiday for kids than a safety company? We are ecstatic to be able to help once again, and especially this year."

Helping sick and injured children celebrate the holidays has more challenges this year for the pediatric hospital as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic grips the globe, making donations sparse. According to the hospital, to help ensure the safety of patients and employees, it was not accepting donations for several months due to the virus. OHSU Doernbecher, Oregon's only academic health center, then began accepting safe distancing donations and gifts through online retailers.

"In a time that has been difficult for so many people, it is inspiring to see the ways that our community has come together, once again, to show its continued support for our most vulnerable patients," said Rebekah Coles, interim manager of the Child Life Therapy Program at OHSU Doernbecher. "This type of compassion reminds our patients, and their families, that they are never forgotten. We are so grateful for this kindness that is felt, not just in December, but all year round."

Duralabel staff created gift lists and online shopping accounts to help ease no-contact gift-giving options to fulfill Doernbecher's needs. Art supplies, books, stuffed animals, and toys for all ages came pouring in to make the donation deadline. Then, Duralabel staff made the trip to deliver the donations.

Duralabel employees have been supporting local toy drives for years. The company set a record in 2019 with 650 toys collected for Doernbecher, 72 more than the year before. In 2017, 437 were hauled in for Toys for Tots.