For three years, Deborah Eskridge has been collecting toys for children in hospitals during the holiday season.

  Called Deborah’s Toy Chest, the toy drive is a is a part of her start-up organization, Deborah’s Dream. She hopes that one day she might be able to make Deborah’s Dream into a non-profit organization.

  “We are reaching out to kids that have chronic illnesses, or any illness or injury in general, and trying to make their childhood as special as it can be in their circumstances,” said Deborah Eskridge.

  The goal for Deborah’s Toy Chest is that every child that is placed in a Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hospital (Egleston Hospital, Stottish Rite Hospital and Hughes Spalding Hospital) during the holidays and on other special occasions will get a gift.

  “Being in a hospital as a kid is pretty tough. You are being asked to take medicine and endure pain in order to make you feel better. You are taken out of your normal routine,” said Eskridge. “Getting a toy or any type of gift reminds the kids that it is okay to play, it is okay to enjoy things even though they are in a situation that is not desirable. The toys also remind the kids that someone cares about them. It can feel very isolating to be in a hospital, but getting a gift reminds the kids that someone else is fighting with them.”

  Eskridge knows all too well the emotional toll of being afflicted with an illness at such a young age, as she spent a considerable amount of time in and out of the hospital following her diagnosis with Lupus in 2016.

  “The reason I started collecting toys in October of 2016 was because in September of 2016, I was diagnosed with Lupus. Starting treatments and not being able to be in school, this organization got my mind off of my situation,” said Eskridge. “Deborah’s Toy Drive and Deborah’s Dream itself is so special because it allows me to get out of my own head and give a little joy to someone else who may need it, which in turn brings me joy.”

  Eskridge began her toy chest in 2016 and collected 66 toys. The count grew to 120 toys in 2017. In 2018, over 600 toys were donated. In 2019, the number of donated toys has dropped to around 100, but she said that toys are still being donated.

  “I am hoping to try to reach as many kids as possible,” said Eskridge. “It would be so cool if these toys could go to more hospitals with kids during Christmas and the winter season.”

  Organizations that partner with Deborah’s Toy Drive are Eagle’s Brooke Country Club Community, Into the Light Ballet Company, Concord Baptist Church, Union Grove Baptist Church, and Storm Athletic Center.

  Although donations begin to pick up around September of each year, since September is childhood cancer awareness month, Deborah accepts donations for Deborah’s Toy Chest year round.

  Donations can be made for children from infancy to 21 years of age. The most needed donations are for the older children, ages 13 to 21. The most needed items are popular books, journals, headphones, phone chargers, gift cards up to $10, blankets, socks, hats, and games.

  The items must be new and have no gift wrapping. Items donated must not promote violence or have a glitter component.

  Future projects under Deborah’s Dream include Parent Pack and Power of a Smile.

  Parent Packs are bags that contain toiletry items, gift cards for gas and food, a stuffed animal and some words of encouragement. Once a child is admitted to a local hospital and their treatment plan seems to be longer than three days, the parents will receive the parent packs. The stuffed animal in the packs are for the child.

  Power of a Smile is where individuals will dress up as superheroes and princesses and visit local hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses to remind the kids that they are warriors.

  For more information or to make donations, contact Deborah at deborahdream@gmail.com.