For families spending the holidays in the hospital, Children’s of Alabama is working to restore a sense of joy and normalcy.

For the 16th year, the hospital hosted its annual Sugar Plum Shop, a holiday pop-up toy store presented by Regions that allows parents of currently hospitalized patients to shop free of charge for gifts. According to a news release, the shop is created and staffed by hospital employees and is designed to serve both patients and their siblings.

Parents are invited to select toys and gifts that can be opened during the holidays, helping families celebrate despite the challenges of hospitalization.

“Being in the hospital during the holidays can be difficult for a family,” said Mindy Wald, Community Development Manager at Children’s of Alabama, in the release. “When parents visit the Sugar Plum Shop, they can enjoy a sense of normalcy and create a happy holiday moment for their family. All of this is possible thanks to the generosity of the community and our partners.”

This year’s Sugar Plum Shop served more than 700 patients and their siblings, continuing a tradition that has become a cornerstone of the hospital’s holiday programming. The effort reflects the hospital’s broader mission to support not only the medical needs of children but also their emotional well-being.

Regions served as the presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors included Books-A-Million, Birmingham Automobile Dealers Association, Edwards Chevrolet, Rx Benefits, Cory Watson Attorneys, Southern Radiology, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 904, Puma, Hibbett Sports and Two Men and a Truck.