YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A powerful show of community support unfolded as Sherry Cross of Choffin Career & Technical Center, Kevin Douglas, president of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, and Jamie DeMain, director of volunteer and guest services at Akron Children’s Hospital, joined forces to deliver more than 1,100 toys and gifts to children receiving care at the hospital.
The donation effort was launched after Akron Children’s reached out with a growing need for toys used year-round to comfort young patients. What began as a plan to collect small items like crayons and coloring books quickly expanded into a large-scale drive that included bikes, dolls, trucks, drones, books and electronic devices.
Douglas said the effort reflects Phi Beta Sigma’s mission of “culture for service and service for humanity,” emphasizing the importance of ensuring children have what they need and want, especially during difficult times. Cross added that Choffin students and adult learners were eager to give back, even when many had limited means themselves.
DeMain explained that the toys play a critical role in the healing process, helping calm children during procedures such as IV insertions, X-rays and medication administration. “For our staff, it is so much more than a toy,” she said. “It makes it a little less scary to come back the next time.”
In total, the community collected more than 1,100 items, enough to support Akron Children’s patients well beyond the holiday season. The collaboration highlights how service organizations, educators and health care providers can come together to make a lasting impact on children and families in need.
Read more in Deanne Johnson’s story HERE.