At only 15 years old, local resident Kailey Paterson is in her 6th year of running a toy drive to benefit the Vassar Brothers Pediatric Department that helps children who are hospitalized during the holidays and beyond.

When she was 9 years old, Kailey was hospitalized for chronic migraines, and after more than three months of countless ER visits and various impatient stays at hospitals, she decided to do something to help other children going through similar experiences.  According to mom, Jessica Paterson,

The child life programs at all of these hospitals really helped her through her days there. They would bring her toys to play with, arts & crafts to keep her busy, accompanying her her to testing, procedures etc. - they were honestly a god send! Most pediatric floors have a playroom for the kids that is purely ran by donations.

Kailey's current drive is underway, and boxes are set up to collect donations until Friday 12/20 at several local businesses including:
Hudson Square Boutique
Waddle & Swaddle
The Wheel House
Dreamland Daycare
Donations can be dropped at any of these businesses, or she can be contacted for arrangements through her instagram page @Operation Help Children Smile

Kudos to you, Kailey, on organizing such a wonderful drive to benefit kids right here in the local community!

Credit: J.Paterson
Credit: J.Paterson
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Credit: J.Paterson
Credit: J.Paterson
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