The Toy Guy Teams Up With Kids For The Lydia's Toy Chest Charity Drive

Over the weekend, our own Chris Byrne, aka The Toy Guy, joined students from Aronimink Elementary School in Drexel Hill, Pa to provide more than 250 new toys, games, crafts and books for pediatric cancer patients at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).  The donation is the inaugural toy drive effort of Lydia's Toy Chest to help make life a littel brighter for hospitalized children.

Aronimink students Amy Byrne, 7 and Jennie Byrne, 9 along with Debbie Frederick (Lydia's mother) presented the gifts to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Child Life Specialist Katrina Mingos.  Mingos says the toys, games, crafts and books make a big difference in the lives of young patients and their families.  Because of health concerns, it's nearly impossible for patients to share toys.  Therefore there's always a need for new items.  The inaugural Lydia's Toy Chest drive was timed to help CHOP at a time of year when such donations are needed most.


Lydia’s Toy Chest was inspired by Lydia Frederick, who was a patient at CHOP.  She spent more than a year at CHOP being treated for cancer. Sadly, Lydia passed away in September 2007, one month before her third birthday.  Lydia’s Toy Chest was started by her friends to honor her memory and help other children.  For more information, please visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lydiaf.