Buffalo Grove Eagle Scout project gives toys to children

A 14-year-old Buffalo Grove boy's Eagle Scout project promises to provide some comfort for patients at the hospital that saved his sister's life.

Stevenson High School freshman Matthew Stein is collecting new toys for children at Advocate Children's Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

It was at this hospital that his sister, now in high school, received life-saving open-heart surgery when she was about 15 months old.

"I have been wanting to do something to pay them back for saving my sister's life," said Stein of the effort, which he calls Helping Kids Heal.

The toys, which will consist of such items as action figures, will be donated to children who can take them home.

None of the toys have yet been delivered. Stein is still collecting them and distributing fliers advertising the effort.

The word is being spread at both his school and in the neighborhood around Tripp Elementary School.

As Stein sees it, it is a way to impact someone else's life in a positive way.

"That toy could take their mind off of what's going on around them and help them feel like they're back at home again," he said.

Not all toys will be accepted. Stuffed animals or toys that would be considered a choking hazard are prohibited, as are used DVDs, although new DVDs are allowed.

Anyone interested can email Stein at Helpingkidsheal2017@gmail.com.