Paxton Burton and Garrett Gaston, two young boys from Clarksdale, are both facing many medical challenges ahead and are at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
In honor of Burton and Gaston and the care they are received, a local toy drive is underway in Clarksdale. The toys donated by Feb. 5 will go toward “Bunny Lane” at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. A child on the way to surgery is able to pick out a special toy from “Bunny Lane.”
According to Le Bonheur’s website, today, more than 14,000 children travel through “Bunny Lane” each year on their way to surgery.
“However many times they go into surgery, they get to go down ‘Bunny Lane’ and they pick out a toy,” said Dana Gaston, the mother of Garrett Gaston. “We thought that this would be a great way for our families to give back to Le Bonheur.”
The flyer circulating throughout the community letting people know about the toy drive reads, “Le Bonheur holds a special place in our hearts for the care and compassion Paxton and Garrett have experienced. “Our families want to give back.”
All toys donated must be new and in original packaging. Toys needed are Lego sets, arts and craft sets, small board games, Barbies and superhero action figures and sports apparel.
“We’re not going particular on what toys people donate,” Gaston said. “We’re just going to be thankful for whatever they donate.”
Drop off locations are Flower Bouquet + Interiors, Lee Academy, Meredith-Nowell Funeral Home, Presbyterian Day School, Riverside Baptist Church and St. Elizabeth Catholic School.
Gaston said a specific person at each drop off location will be able to answer any questions about the toy drive. So far, she said PDS, where she works, has received some toys and the response has been positive.
“I’ve had people that have ordered online,” she said. “I have people that have told me they are getting toys.
“Both families have received a very positive reaction from the community, and are especially supported in other ways.”
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