About
The Carlton Foundation For Kids
Who We Are
A Community-Focused Foundation Serving Children and Their Families
The Carlton Foundation for Kids is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting hospitalized children and their families through thoughtful programs, special initiatives, and annual fundraising events. Our work is rooted in compassion and powered by a community that believes every child deserves comfort, joy, and encouragement during difficult moments. From our Toy Closet program to community partnerships and annual events, everything we do is centered on helping children feel seen, supported, and cared for.
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
Our Story
Founded in Honor. Built to Make a Difference.
The Carlton Foundation for Kids was formed by the employees of Carlton Construction as a way to honor their leader, Matt Carlton, and create a lasting legacy for his family. Inspired by the example he set, the foundation was built on a shared desire to give back in a meaningful way and serve children and families throughout our community. Since 2018, that mission has grown through the support of coworkers, business partners, and clients who came together to turn compassion into action.
What Guides Us
Our Mission and Purpose
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Mission
To partner with local hospitals to advance healing for hospitalized children in Northeast Florida.
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Vision
To inspire an uplifting and supportive environment for hospitalized children, their families, and hospital staff.
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Purpose
To bring joy to children and families.
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Belief
Every child deserves a reason to smile, and an environment that fosters healing, resilience, and a sense of well-being.
Creating Moments of Comfort in Difficult Times
The Heart Behind the Foundation
A hospital stay can be overwhelming for a child and their family. At The Carlton Foundation for Kids, we believe small moments of joy can have a meaningful impact. A toy, a book, or a simple act of kindness can bring comfort, spark a smile, and help make a difficult day feel a little lighter. That belief is at the heart of everything we do. Whether through our Toy Closet, our annual events, or our community partnerships, our goal is to support children and families with care, compassion, and encouragement.
Our Programs
Supporting Children Across Northeast Florida
The Carlton Foundation for Kids supports children and families through year-round programs and partnerships that bring joy and encouragement during hospital visits and stays. Our efforts are funded through annual events, donations, sponsorships, and the support of a generous community.
The Toy Closet
Our Toy Closet is one of the most meaningful parts of our mission. Restocked weekly by volunteers, it provides children admitted through the ER at Baptist Medical Center Clay with access to toys that offer comfort, distraction, and joy.
Annual Toy Drive
Our annual toy drive is a separate effort that helps support children through broader hospital partnerships, including Children’s Miracle Network hospitals such as Wolfson Children’s Hospital and UF Health.
Expanded Support
Through community partnerships, the foundation also supports programs that benefit newborns, pediatric rehabilitation, and families receiving care across our local hospital network.