A toy drive spearheaded by a local resident has brought joy to numerous patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital through donations totaling 35,000 toys over the last five years. This tradition is gearing up for another year of special deliveries for patients who must spend time at the Columbus hospital during the Christmas season.
DeGraff resident Tyler Slaven said the sixth annual Ohio Virtual Academy’s toy drive is taking on a slightly different form this year because of COVID-19 precautions.
Monetary donations only are being accepted, which will be used by the organization to purchase toys for children at the hospital.The toys will be delivered by Slaven and his team Sunday, Dec. 13.
“After all of the crazy things 2020 has thrown at us, I am proud to announce that the Ohio Virtual Academy will be continuing our Sixth Annual Christmas Toy Drive for Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” Slaven said this week. “The hospital just gave me the green-light to do this, so we are very excited to be continuing to provide a smile to these children this Christmas.
“This year’s toy drive will look a bit different due to the guidelines and parodical we are following to ensure the health and safety of my team, the donors, the hospital staff, and most importantly, the children.
“For this year’s drive, locations where toys can be dropped off is not available. Our goal is to keep everyone safe, which requires special handling.”
Online donors may make a donation toward the cause at https://tinyurl.com/ybalnwxw.
Physical monetary donations can be made as well, upon request. Interested individuals should contact ohvatoydrive.
In previous years, Slaven’s toy drive twice broke Nationwide Children Hospital’s record for single largest toy donation, with 9,200 toys in 2018, and 20,300 toys in 2019.
The Ohio Virtual Academy graduate has collected toys from across the state, including the Logan County area. He organized the first event as a high school student at Ohio Virtual Academy and the school’s network remains his primary medium for getting the word out and seeking donations.