Weston kids hold toy drive for patients at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital

Three siblings from Weston are trying to make a difference for kids in the hospital -- and it's not their first time doing so.

News 12 Staff

Aug 14, 2019, 9:25 PM

Updated 1,714 days ago

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Three siblings from Weston are trying to make a difference for kids in the hospital -- and it's not their first time doing so.
The last month of summer break isn't child's play for the Bernheim siblings. Owen, 11, Emily, 9 and Evan, 5, are holding the family's annual toy drive.
The siblings bring all of the donations to the Toy Closet at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital after Labor Day. They're donating to a place the family knows well. Owen Bernheim spent some time there when he was 8 months old for a brain tumor.
"It makes me feel happy that we can give back," says Owen Bernheim.
Owen Bernheim had to have lifesaving surgery, followed by 12 MRIs. After every scan, he'd get to choose a toy from the Toy Closet.
"So I decided, like, if there were kids like me who were scared and afraid of being in the hospital, that they would feel better if they had a toy to pick out from the Toy Closet too," says Owen Bernheim.
The Bernheims' drive is now in its sixth year -- with an emphasis on toys for younger kids. They say that's who has the greatest need.
Even Evan Bernheim got to see firsthand how those small toys can make a big difference. He was in the hospital last winter when he fell and broke his elbow.
Now, the siblings want to make sure the closet remains full for any child in need.
Since their first drive, the family has collected more than 1,500 toys and expect to add to that number for years to come.
"Thank you to everyone who has donated so far," says Owen Bernheim.
The kids are continuing to collect toys through Aug. 31. You can donate here.


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