My favorite part about the toy drive is the honest, open talks that Hayden and I have after we drop off the toys. It makes it all worth it. This year, as we talked to Hayden, he was able to really express how he was feeling. He has such a caring, big heart. Before I asked, Hayden spoke up and said, "Mom, I feel so good inside. The Holy Ghost is telling me that we are doing a good thing. I know that I am helping kids by collecting toys. When I am in the hospital, I will work harder to get well, if I know that I can choose from the toy closet. I hope that because of these toys, some of the kids in the hospital will choose to try harder to get well. Then, it will be such a good thing that we did the toy drive. I think we should keep doing the toy drive."

My heart was touched. My son was able to express, without help, the feelings that most definitely did come from the Holy Ghost. As we started the toy drive, it was to, in a small way, pay back all those that had helped out with Hayden. Each year, as we drop off the toys, I realize that although, our hearts are in it for the children that are in the hospital and their parents, in the end, our family is ultimately the one that benefits from the toy drive. Our home has the spirit of giving, Hayden is learning the importance of service and giving and right before Christmas, the Holy Ghost and Spirit of Christmas is alive in our hearts.

Our testimonies are strengthened. Our hearts are filled with love and gratitude. I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity that we have been presented with. We are so very blessed. And, by the way, this is the first year that Hayden has not received a toy from Hayden's Toy Drive... it was his first year without any hospital stays... words cannot express my gratitude.

Hayden's Toy Drive Drop Off

Suzi, Thomas, Hayden and I all drove out to Phoenix Children's Hospital on December 23rd. It is such a great feeling to drop off the toys. It is so worth it but it does take a tremendous amount of time and work. I will admit that on different days during December I question my sanity and if the toy drive is worth it. When we drop off the toys, there is no doubt in my mind that this is such a great thing for our family.
As we talked with the volunteers at Child Life, we thanked them for the difference they make each day in the life of the children in the hospital. I am so grateful for all they have done for Hayden. Each hospital stay, ER visit and procedure undergone, has been so much easier due to the wonderful, caring and loving staff of PCH. I am so grateful for the little things they do to make the hospital as comforting and less scary as possible. It makes all the difference. I am glad that we can have a small part in paying them back.
As I stood back at the pods, I remembered so many stories that people told, why they donated, why they cared and the difference it made. I realized, standing there, that it isn't about the big stuff, it was the little things, the toy, the smile, the kind pat on the back, it is the little touches that make the biggest difference in these children's lives. As I stood there, I looked at my son and husband and realized that it is the little things in our lives that make the biggest difference, and the hospital definitely has made some of Hayden's health issues more bearable and put such a positive influence in our lives.

Hayden loves the attention. He loves that they ask him about his stays in the hospital, the little things that mean the most to him, and why he wants to help other children. As I watched him speak, I was so impressed. He is becoming so good at articulating his words and explaining why we do this. He understands that he is making a difference. And, he loves the way it makes him feel.
Thanks to all for another very successful toy drive. I am looking forward to hearing the stories about the children that received the toys and the difference it made to them. We are always blessed to get to hear the good. Especially for Hayden's sake, I am very grateful.

2010 Generous supporters

Hayden's Toy Drive 2010 was very successful. We collected over 2300 toys for Phoenix Children's Hospital. With all of the amazing toys that were donated, we had to rent a U-haul to get all the toys to PCH.
Donations were plentiful and wonderful. We had some of the same people donate and some new ones. We are so thankful to the following organizations that helped so much. Liberty Arts Academy did an entire school toy drive and collected amazing toys with amazing spirit and stories. I cannot express my thanks enough for Hayden attending such a wonderful and caring school. Peoria Accelerated Academy called a couple of days prior and said they had a lot of toys and then Hayden's principal, Ms. Waisel, was AMAZING and drove to Peoria to pick up the toys for me. My cousin, Debbie, organized a toy drive at Advanced Chiropractic in Gilbert. Then we had some amazing and generous donations from individuals.... I would list them but not sure if they want to be individually named. But, we know who you are and are very grateful.

Some of the most touching stories came in this year. Hayden's primary teacher collected money so that toys could be purchased. Aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins all donated generously. We are so thankful for the amazing support we have in trying to provide toys for the children in the hospital. It could not be possible without tremendous donations and the generosity of our loved ones. You are appreciated more than you will ever know.

Collecting for the Toy Drive

One of the most amazing things to me is collecting the donations from people for Hayden's Toy Drive. I love hearing people's stories, seeing their enthusiasm and watching the joy that comes thru giving. We are so blessed to see the toy drive each year from beginning to end. We know the work but also are blessed to see the true joy in the end.
Each year we have so many phenomenal people that donate so generously. Without such amazing people, there wouldn't be a toy drive. This year, we were given almost $1500.00 to go shopping with. We started at the Disney Store because Hayden had some very specific gifts in mind for the toy drive. The boys in the hospital definitely needed Tron motorcycles, Phinneas and Ferb toys and I knew that a Minnie and a few princesses were needed, as well.

After that we went to a Toys or Us Express. Do you know how great it is to have that much money? It is so exhilarating to just look for what is needed.... crayola wonders, lego sets, little cars, dolls, coloring books, a soft stuffed animal and not worry about the cost, but to just be able to buy what you feel could help lift a child's spirit. There is nothing else like it.

Taking Hayden is such a joy. He is so focused on what the kids could do in bed, what toys the sick kids would agree to get that extra shot for, handle another chemo therapy or be brave enough to go thru surgery for. As we walk thru the store choosing toys, each of those scenarios are brought up. It gives me such an opportunity to talk to Hayden and to teach him. His understanding of working for a greater cause is so clear to him. I am amazed at 9 years old of his understanding and love of other children he has never met. His heart is in it. I love those tender, treasured moments with him as we try to serve to make another's life better. It is something that cannot be explained, only experienced.
As we unload different trips from stores, we label, discuss and talk about how it makes him feel and in what cases he thinks the children will receive these particular toys. It brings such a spirit of giving and Christlike service into our home. The Holy Ghost is present and the feelings are so tender yet overwhelming strong. Usually, I try to identify to Hayden what he is feeling to help him understand. Not this year. As we talked, he said, "Mom, I feel the Holy Ghost so strong right now. He is testifying to my heart that I am doing a good thing. I like this feeling better than when I get presents. Is this what the Savior feels like when he does things for us?" As a mom, I couldn't have had a better feeling. My son has developed a love of Christmas and understands the Spirit of Giving. That is the greatest Christmas present I could have ever been given.
We started this toy drive for the benefit of the sick kids at the hospital. Instead, it has brought such a feeling of love, giving and harmony into our home. I love the lessons that it has taught Hayden and am so grateful for the lessons it has taught.