BRISTOL -- People often feel like they want to help others during the holiday season, but many don't know how. That isn't stopping one little girl.
Amelia is just 6 years old, but she's on a mission: to collect toys for the patients at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford who can't go home for the holidays.
The first-grader started her collection in 2014, when she was just 4 years old, after going with her brother for a doctor appointment last year. In just three weeks, Amelia collected 453 toys that year from friends, family, her school and her community! And last year her mission expanded to 845 toys!
This year, she hopes to expand her project, especially after she had to spend a few days at the hospital for an illness and got a toy donation from the staff.
Inspired by her kindness, Amelia's uncle, Michael Rusczkowski, who owns Gothic Marble and Granite in Southington, will donate $1 for every toy collected by Amelia's Toy Drive.
"It's wonderful to see the community come together," Amelia's mom, Justyna, said. "Everybody chipping in. With everyone's help it's how Amelia is able to do what she's doing. And what do you want to say to everyone?"
"Thank you" was the simple message Amelia wanted FOX 61 to pass on for her.
Beginning tomorrow toys can be dropped off at the following locations:
- Gothic Marble and Granite in Southington, which will donate an additional $1 per toy donated
- Outback Steakhouse in Southington, which is offering a free blooming onion with toy donation
- Gina Bianca Hair Salon in Southington
- Alzheimer's Resource Center in Southington
- Bolo Cafe and Bakery in Plainville
- Whiz Kids Daycare Center in Bristol
- Berkshire Bank in Newington
- Belvedere Cafe in New Britain
Amelia will be collecting new unwrapped toys through next week.
You can also follow her progress here.