Young boy gathers 3,000 toys for kids at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital

A 9-year-old with brain cancer is doing his part to make sure kids just like him have a wonderful Christmas. He gathered more than 3,000 toys for kids at Golisano’s Children’s Hospital.

Alex Meyer knows what it’s like to spend time in the hospital. So, back in October, Meyer used social media to get gifts for kids that will be spending Christmas at Golisano’s.

“When I was at chemo I overheard some staff members just saying that the toy closet was empty,” said Meyer. “I told my parents I think we should donate some toys. So then when we started that it got bigger and bigger and bigger.”

Tiffany Meyer is Alex’s mother. “Unless you’ve been through it you have no idea what it does to your family and these toys I really hope it alleviates some stress for those parents,” she said.

Alex says he couldn’t imagine that he’d ever gather so many toys. “Did you ever expect it to get this big? None of us did!”

His little elves are people from all across the country. And now, his living room looks a lot like the North Pole.

“You couldn’t even see the floor,” Alex said.

This project started off as a toy drive to collect just 1,000 toys. Now, over 3,000 have been collected to give to kids who will be spending their holidays at the hospital.

“It’s going to be okay, we’re only eight months into this. If you find the joy and you have that positivity it makes it a lot better and I know it’s hard. Just try to be positive,” said Tiffany.

Alex is smiling and filled with excitement because so many people were willing to donate and that he gets to help others.

“I was pretty happy!” he said. “Merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

Heroes Unmasked is a local nonprofit agency dedicated to sick kids. They were able to help Alex by donating 25 more boxes filled with toys.