MSD Student Leads Toy Drive to Brighten Holidays for Hospitalized Children

by Sharon Aron Baron December 9, 2024

40Shares

MSD Student Leads Toy Drive to Brighten Holidays for Hospitalized Children

Aesha Bhavsar, a Marjory Stoneman Douglas student, with donated toys for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in 2023. {courtesy}

This holiday season, Aesha Bhavsar, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is spreading cheer to children in need through the third annual Toys4Joys toy drive, a local effort supporting young patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Founded by Bhavsar during her sophomore year, Toys4Joys aims to bring holiday joy to children who may not be able to celebrate at home.

According to Bhavsar, the initiative has grown significantly over the past two years, collecting hundreds of toys to brighten the season for families facing challenges.

“We’re looking for all sorts of toys—everything from toy cars and dolls to stuffed animals and board games,” said Bhavsar. “Every donation makes a difference, and we’re so grateful to the community for their continued support.”

Last year, the drive donated over 250 toys; this year, Bhavsar has set her sights on collecting 400.

“Knowing that these toys can help bring a little joy and comfort to a child who might be going through a tough time is what keeps me motivated to do this every year,” she said.

Toys4Joys has established a drop-off location at Pure Green Coral Springs, next to Starbucks and Crumbl Cookies, for convenient community contributions.

The toy drive runs through Dec. 13, and donors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys during business hours.

Bhavsar said that whether it’s a superhero action figure, a puzzle, or a cozy stuffed animal, each donation helps spread holiday cheer

For more information about Toys4Joys or to support the initiative, visit its Instagram page at @toys_4joys.

Send your news to Parkland’s #1 Award-Winning News Source, Parkland Talk. Don’t miss reading Tamarac Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, and Margate Talk.

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.