Spreading Comfort and Care at Allina Health
Creature Comfort Foundation partners with Allina Health East Lake Street Clinic in Minneapolis to deliver Slumberkins and ComfortKits to children and families, spreading comfort, connection, and emotional support in healthcare settings.
Creature Comfort Foundation Donates Slumberkins and ComfortKits to Allina Health East Lake Street Clinic
The Creature Comfort Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Allina Health East Lake Street Clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota — a healthcare provider dedicated to delivering compassionate, community-focused care to families across the Twin Cities.
This latest donation included the foundation’s signature My ComfortKits and Slumberkins Bigfoot and Sprite plush companions, both designed to comfort and calm children facing medical challenges. The partnership came together through Dr. Valerie Norris, a pediatrician who has seen firsthand the positive impact of these items in hospitals and clinics, and Clinic Manager Amran Guled, who helped coordinate distribution at the East Lake Street Clinic.
“Your generosity has sparked joy, warmth, and connection,” shared Amran Guled, Clinic Manager. “Watching smiles bloom and hearts soften has been a gift in itself.”
“These comfort creatures have supported kids facing foster care, grief, and homelessness,” added Dr. Valerie Norris. “We’re thrilled to bring the same sense of comfort and reassurance to our Allina patients.”
Serving one of Minneapolis’s most diverse and high-needs communities, the Allina Health East Lake Street Clinic provides essential pediatric care, behavioral health, and family support services. The addition of Creature Comfort’s ComfortKits and Slumberkins companions helps create a more emotionally supportive environment for children, easing anxiety and fostering resilience during their care journey.
Ava Builione, founder of the Creature Comfort Foundation, shared,
“Our mission has always been to make hospital stays and clinic visits a little brighter. Partnerships like this allow us to reach more children with comfort, creativity, and kindness.”
Creature Comfort Foundation continues to grow its network of hospital and clinic partners nationwide, with over 70 facilities receiving donations to date. Each ComfortKit includes creative tools like crayons, journals, fidget toys, and storybooks—alongside Slumberkins plush companions—to help children find calm, courage, and connection during challenging times.
💙 To support the mission and help fund future donations, visit creaturecomfort.org and follow us on instagram.