Coyotes Players Deliver Gifts & Smiles to Patients at Phoenix Children's

The smiles were everywhere on Thursday, and it was just what the doctor ordered.
The Arizona Coyotes and The Meruelo Group partnered with Phoenix Children's to provide patients with toys - and plenty of laughs - on Thursday. Players Juuso Välimäki, J.J. Moser, Liam O'Brien, Matias Maccelli and Nick Bjugstad visited, helping load toys from the Coyotes' drive into Phoenix Children's well-stocked area appropriately named "Toyland."
The players then visited patients virtually through the use of robots, driving them through the halls of the hospital before popping into rooms to say hello, much to the delight of the kids and their parents.

"It's tough for the families, and really tough for the kids to be here in the hospital," Bjugstad said. "We try to bring smiles to their faces, and they're bringing smiles to our faces, so it's really cool deal that the Coyotes and these guys do."

Arizona Coyotes Foundation Board of Directors Chair Alexis Meruelo, who is also the Chief Vision and Purpose Officer for the Meruelo Group, presented a check for $10,000 on behalf of the Meruelo family, which will be used by Phoenix Children's to bolster its music therapy program.
2022 marks the 26th year the Meruelo Group has been involved in toy drives, and it has also helped grow the music therapy program at Long Beach Memorial Hospital in Long Beach, Calif.
"During this time of year, any family member or parent that has to spend time during the holidays is extremely, difficult," Meruelo said. "To be able to bring even a little bit of cheer and have players interact with the patients, it means the world. If we can do that, bring smiles, and a little bit of joy, then we're doing the right thing."

Phoenix Children's Toyland is a way to help families shop for the children who will be in the hospital during the holidays. Families shop via Omnipro robots so that they can select what gift to give the patient.
The gifts are then wrapped and delivered to the children on Christmas Day.
Tim Harrison, Vice President, Corporate Partnerships and Special Events at Phoenix Children's, said the ability for patients to partner with Coyotes players on Thursday made it an extra-special holiday for the kids and their families.
"These guys are heroes," Harrison said. "They're heroes on the ice, and they're heroes when they take time out of their day to come spend time with the kids. That's a gift that is priceless."
The Coyotes will continue to give back on Friday when they suit up against the New York Islanders, as the team is partnering with Bally Sports Arizona to host its annual charity broadcast. This year's event will be held entirely online, and those interesting in donating
are already able to do so
.

Two different packages are being offered for those who offer $100 and up. For any contribution of $400 or more, donors will receive a limited-edition varsity jacket featuring custom artwork created by David Arrigo, signed by all four players featured on the jacket.
All $100-$399 donors will receive an exclusive 18x20 poster featuring custom artwork created by Arrigo, autographed by one of the four featured players.
Bjugstad said that Thursday's event hits home considering he is a parent, as well.
"When you have kids, it definitely makes you appreciate health, and the circumstance these parents are in, it's scary," he said. "They go through a lot financially and emotionally, so it's just nice to be able to chat with them and try to put a smile on their face."