AUGUSTA, Ga () – A local organization is giving back to the Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
Zayden Wright was a former patient at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia but sadly passed away in 2018.
Now his parents want to continue his legacy by giving toys to patients.
“They did so much, and many people performed kind acts for my son. When my son passed away, I felt compelled to give back and offer the same support that others had shown me,” shared Zackary Wright, Zayden’s father and CEO of the Zayday Foundation.
The foundation typically organizes these toy drives each year around Christmas, but due to the hospital’s ongoing renovations over the past few months, they are celebrating Christmas in July.
Wright says the inspiration to start a toy donation came straight from Zayden.
“He had a generous nature. He reached a point where he would sift through his toy box and happily give away his old toys, knowing he would receive new ones. With him being in the hospital and receiving toys from others, it was the perfect opportunity for me to give back,” Wright explained.
Wright says he is thankful to the people donating their time to the foundation and everyone who gave toys.
“I hope the impact gives some kid hope. A lot of the toys were heartfelt for me because I picked out some things that reminded me of my son, books of inspiration of hope. Toys that would inspire them to try, we have building toys, we have electronics,” said Wright.
I spoke with a member of the Wellstar team who says this was her first year participating in the toy drive.
She says all of the patients are going to be very excited about their new toys.
“We give toys to kids before they have surgery, after some really scary procedures or when they’re admitted here for a long time and they need something to do. That’s what we do, we aim to make the hospital just a little bit more fun and just be there for these families while they are going through some of the toughest times,” said Addie Winkelman, Child Life Specialist at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia.
If you wish to donate or learn more about the Zayday Foundation you can find the link here.
