Five New Panda Cares Centers of Hope Open

At Panda Express, giving back is at the heart of everything they do. Through their Panda Cares initiative, they continue to bring comfort, joy, and support to children and families in hospitals across the country. Since April, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of five new Panda Cares Centers of Hope, offering much-needed resources to those in need.

Riley Children’s Health

Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

Sanford Children’s Hospital – Sioux Falls

The Teaching Garden at Sanford Children’s Hospital will be an incredibly important addition to our care. Getting children outside is known to improve outcomes and offering an opportunity to help something grow will be even more impactful. Our physical and occupational therapists will use the garden in their sessions, the Child Life team will bring patients out to the garden to support the emotional well-being of their patients, and the Spiritual Care team will lean into the healing properties of gardening, especially important to the Native America patients that we serve.

The Children’s Hospital at Providence

The Children’s Hospital at Providencer ecently dedicated its Panda Cares Center of Hope, transforming it into a haven for pediatric patients and their families. This playroom invites kids to relax, play games, read, and create through crafts—offering a much-needed pause from the stress and anxiety of medical treatment. As Child Life specialists note, such spaces significantly contribute to children’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being, aiding their overall recovery. Read more.
University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital

University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital recently unveiled its new Panda Cares Center of Hope Playroom with a ribbon-cutting celebration on June 25, 2025, led by local Panda Express associates. This thoughtfully designed playroom—situated on the hospital’s ninth-floor inpatient ward—features age-appropriate furniture, vibrant artwork, and a treasure trove of toys and games. It’s a welcoming space where young patients can connect with peers and enjoy a sense of normalcy and playfulness amid treatment. Therapeutic play, art therapy, meditation, and counseling programs offer support tailored to the emotional and developmental needs of children as they heal and grow. Read more.

Panda Express’ commitment to supporting children’s health through the Panda Cares initiative continues to leave a lasting impact. Stay tuned for more stories of hope as we continue to spotlight the inspiring work made possible by Panda Express and the incredible member hospitals of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals they support.

For more information on how Panda Cares is making a difference, visit Panda Cares.

Thank you, Panda Express, for your dedication to spreading hope and healing one community at a time.