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Parkland Teen Organizes Holiday Toy Drive For Children Diagnosed With Cancer

by Ryan Yousefi November 28, 2022

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Parkland Teen Organizes Holiday Toy Drive For Children Diagnosed With Cancer

Matthew and Joshua Grynbaum deliver donated toys to Joe DiMaggio Hospital {Courtesy}

By Ryan Yousefi

A Parkland resident is leading a charge to ensure children battling cancer in his community receive the love and support they need this holiday season.

Josh Grynbaum, a 16-year-old 11th-grade student, said what started as a desire to find a rewarding outlet to offset months of monotonous long days of virtual classes has since turned into a charity effort that’s supported thousands of local sick kids.

Looking for a way to give back, in 2020, he helped found the South Florida division of Cancer Kids First – an international teen-led nonprofit aimed at helping pediatric cancer patients live a more normal life by helping to lift the spirits of children by providing toys during the holiday season, get-well cards, bracelets, craft kits, and other fun items.

Josh, whose parents are Brian and Dana, started the South Florida chapter almost two years ago with his brother Matthew to give back.

“We hold fundraisers and toy drives, conduct different activities to support the kids, and have partnered with several local pediatric hospitals, such as Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.”

Josh said Cancer Kids First South Florida, this past year’s winner of the charity’s award for Outstanding Chapter of the Year, is currently setting up donation collection locations as part of the Nicklaus Hospital’s Spread The Joy Toy Drive and Joe DiMaggio Hospital’s Winter Toy Drive.

Community members can support their team’s efforts by donating new toys and Amazon gift cards that will be used to purchase items specifically on the children’s wishlists.

In addition, residents can make a difference by donating their time. For high school students who lend a helping hand, Cancer First Kids South Florida can offer community service hours to help meet their graduation criteria.

“We would appreciate more community involvement, and people can get involved in various ways,” Josh said.

Parkland Teen Organizes Holiday Toy Drive For Children Diagnosed With Cancer

To learn more about Cancer Kids First South Florida, follow them on Instagram or email them for more information at cancerkidsfirstsouthfl@gmail.com.

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.