Westyn's Wish Continues To Help Hospitalized Kids At Christmas

JOLIET, IL — Westyn Genens' time on earth was short, but his legacy lives on, bringing cheer to children who are hospitalized for the holidays. For the 11th year, Shorewood parents Sarah and Jeff Genens will conduct the annual Westyn's Wish toy drive. All donations will go to Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, where they will be distributed to child patients.

Westyn Robert Genens was born on May 29, 2007. "Quickly our hearts were broken as we learned his heart was broken," parents Jeff and Sarah said on the Westyn's Wish website. Little Westyn was born with many congenital heart defects. Sadly, he passed away in August 2007 at just 11 weeks old.

Since then, Jeff and Sarah have kept his memory alive through Westyn's Wish. These days, they are joined by Westyn's little sisters, Ivy and Paisley. Sarah said the girls look forward to the drive each year.

Last year, the drive collected a record 3,200 toys and $1,000 in gift cards. With more drop-off locations than ever, 2017 promises to be even bigger.

"It's spread to so many different towns," Sarah said.

Unwrapped, new toys can be dropped off at the following locations now through Dec. 15. Toys will be delivered to Advocate Children's Hospital on Dec. 16.

Channahon
• Supersauce Tattoo 24503 W Eames St

Crest Hill
•Reza's Auto Repair 2386 Jorie Court

Joliet
• Bob Martin Auto Sales 725 W. Jefferson St
•Donut Den 3043 Theodore St.
•Karges Realty, 208 N. Larkin Ave.
•Rick's RV Center 4360 W Jefferson St
•Salon David Anthony 2621 W. Jefferson St
•Symphony of Joliet 306 North Larkin Avenue

Naperville
• Chicken in a Basket 5019 Ace Lane

New Lenox
•Lancaster Eye Care 402 E. Lincoln Highway (Rte. 30)
• VIP Automotive 12535 Old Plank Trail

Shorewood
• Casanova Information Services 850 Brook Forest Ave E
• Fantastic Sam's 857 Center Ct Unit B
• Shorewood - Troy Library 650 Deerwood Drive
• The Reserves Network 301 Vertin Blvd

Plainfield
• Chicago Brew Werks 14903 S Center St #107
• Chikara Martial Arts Academy 24316 W 143rd St
• Interstate All Battery, 11912 S. Spaulding School Dr
• Soul Flo Yoga Inc 24402 W Lockport St.
• Werk Force Brewing Co 14903 S Center St #107

Rockdale
•Marino Truck and Equipment Repair 604 Elm Court

Romeoville
• Planet Chiropractic 432 N Weber Rd

Wilmington
• D & A Trucking
• D' Orazio Ford 1135 S Water St

Yorkville
• Brenart Eye Clinic 120 E Countryside Pkwy #B
• Island Real Estate 201 East Veterans Parkway

In need of toy ideas? Check out the Westyn's Wish Amazon wish list.

Photo: Ivy Genens holds a photo of her big brother, Westyn/Courtesy of the Genens family.