A toy drive that has been in existence for 10 years has found its way to campus this week, courtesy of sophomore Allie Henderson.  The drive helps provide Christmas gifts to The Florida Hospital and The Arnold Palmer hospital for sick children whose families that can’t afford the luxury.

Henderson said she thought of the idea because she is close friends with the family of Alicia Martin, a young girl who passed away 10years ago due to a brain tumor.

“I think that it was a good idea to bring the toy drive to West Shore because all the students are super involved, and I hope that they can take the time to donate,” Henderson said. “The family has had more medical issues this year and hasn’t been able to host toy drives this holiday season.”

Since Alicia’s death, the Martin family has worked to gather toys for children who are constantly in the hospital due to sickness. Alicia’s mom knows what it’s like having children in the hospital since her oldest daughter, Ashley, has been diagnosed with Dysautonomia, a disease that causes the nervous system to malfunction.

“I think it’s a really good cause that helps the unfortunate families who can’t provide Christmas presents to their children in the hospital,” Richardson said

By Clayton Wheeling