Ohio Siblings Donate Thousands Of Toys To Children's Hospital Every Christmas
December 9, 2021
For the last six years, two siblings have helped gather thousands of toys across Ohio to donate them to kids at a children's hospital in Columbus.
Credit: Tyler Slaven / Local12.com
Tyler and Monica Slaven have donated nearly 50,000 toys to children at Nationwide Children's Hospital since their first organized donation in 2015.
"They're not in there typically for a routine they visit. That's the sad thing. I mean, they either been there for a while or they're in pretty bad shape ... those are the kids that need brightened up the most. They're not going to be in there for a day then get to go home, most likely," Tyler told Local12.
"Why not do a toy drive for kids that are kind of ... down and not able to get around and poor health conditions, especially around Christmas? So that was when the idea was born," Tyler said.
Credit: Tyler Slaven / Local12.com
Tyler and Monica were both attending the Ohio Virtual Academy at the time. They were able to get the school on board and that helped get the donations statewide.
In 2015, they were able to donate 800 toys to the hospital. One year later, that number more than doubled, amounting to 1,700 donations. In 2020, they donated more than 11,000 toys.
This year, the Slavens hope to pass the 50,000 toys donated mark.
"It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to help make this work," Tyler added. "I'm just thankful that ... we're in good health, that we're able to do this every year and ... help organize and lead it and use the skills that God has gave us and being able to expand and promote it to these kids, especially around again the holidays."
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Her 92-Year-Old Grandpa Called Crying, Invited Her Over For A Sleepover
A Mom Called PBS Asking For Mr. Rogers' Autograph. Instead, He Flew Out To See Her Daughter With His Puppets
A Westie In A Wheelchair Guides A Blind Rescue Fox On Their Daily Walks
This Woman Bought A 2,000-Year-Old Roman Bust At Goodwill For $34.99
'It Was JUST Them Two': Daughter Takes Photos Of Dad On Graduation Day
2-Year-Old Boy Orders 31 Cheeseburgers Through Mom's Phone
Dolphin Analyzes Diver's Fin, Then Brings Him Another Fin The Next Time He Sees Him
When You Get Older And Realize That A Magical Childhood Is The Result Of Your Parent's Effort
Dog Says 'Ice Cream' And Runs To Truck
Hedgehog Keeps Bear Awake All Night
Woman Successfully Crosses Stream On A Log, But Still Loses