Children at a local hospital will have a bit of extra holiday cheer brought to them thanks to an annual toy drive put together by members of the community and local businesses.
The toy drive, now in its third year, is the brainchild of Bobby Ina. Two years ago Ina raised about $6,000 for the patients of Akron Children's Hospital. The event has steadily grown, with over $13,000 raised this year.
"We were able to make such a difference and rather than making a small donation we put everything together as a big group of friends and we created something big," Ina said.
Volunteer recruiter Wendy Sawyer said the toy drive has played a major role in the children's spirits at the hospital.
Santa makes a special trip to the hospital, stopping there first to bring each child their special present.
"The look on their faces when Santa comes in and he has presents picked out just for them, it's magic," Sawyer said.
The toys will be presented to the children on Dec. 22.
"It's unfortunate that some of them have to spend the holidays in the hospital so if we're able to put a smile on their face and show people there is good news out there then we wanted to do it," Ina said.
