A toy drive that provides new gifts to children battling cancer and rare blood diseases began on Friday.

Al Deguido, the owner of Saugatuck Sweets in Westport and president of the nonprofit group Al's Angels, says his goal for this year is to provide 6,000 toys for families who have been financially devastated with medical bills.

Deguido says that any new toy makes a difference in the life of a family battling such circumstances.

To ensure holiday season delivery, the last day new toys are accepted is Dec. 18.