Kids Helping Kids Toy Drive a Success

Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

Hinsdale Township High School District 86 today reported the completion of another successful toy drive at Hinsdale South High School this year. The Class of 2017 and the Psychology Club ran the drive during the first half of December to collect toys for children at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. A new toy or stuffed animal is distributed by hospital staff to every child who comes into the emergency department or is admitted to the pediatric unit.

Sarah Nwakudu and Sonali Patel help unload boxes

“While the hospital’s pediatric patients are rarely in the hospital for extended lengths of time, their stay may represent a first hospital visit or night away from home,” said Joann Guida, director of development at the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation. “This year, Hinsdale South students also collected new stuffed animals for children in Adventist St. Thomas Hospice’s Tommy’s Kids program for young people coping with the loss of someone dear to them. The children choose a stuffed animal to be their “buddy” to give them courage as they work through the various activities of this impactful six-week bereavement program.

“We have delivered an incredible amount of gifts to Hinsdale Hospital,” said school counselor Lara Jarman. “The students and staff were incredibly generous, we thank them all. And of course, we want to offer special congratulations to Mr. Bondi’s 9thperiod class for making the most donations.”

Mr. Bondi’s class will be rewarded with a pizza party for bringing in the most donations next semester.

From left to right: Jenifer Cochran (staff), Jennifer Fichter (staff)
Antonia Stamatoukos, Emily Mitchell, Sonali Patel, DeJah Burton
hospital staff and Sarah Nwakudu