‘Kids need joy:’ Richmond mother turns grief into giving with annual toy drive for sick kids

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In the quiet moments of grief, some find solace in memories. Others, like Donna Reynolds, transform their pain into something powerful -- something that keeps a loved one’s spirit alive.

It has been five years since Reynolds lost her son, Kellan, to a rare mitochondrial disease. He was just nine years old. But instead of allowing the weight of loss define her, she has dedicated herself to bringing happiness to children who are facing the same fear and uncertainty that Kellan once did.

Each year, through Kellan’s Legacy of Love, Reynolds organizes a toy drive to collect gifts for children undergoing treatment at St. Mary’s Hospital -- the very place where Kellan spent much of his life. What began as a small act of kindness has now grown into a community-wide movement, one that has touched thousands of young lives.

For Reynolds, the inspiration for this mission comes from the small, everyday moments she shared with Kellan. Despite the countless hospital visits, surgeries and treatments, there was always one thing that brought him comfort -- his toys.

"He wasn't scared of anything when we had toys," Reynolds said. "He had these scary procedures, but as long as he had something distracting him, he didn't even care what was going on."

To many, a toy is just an object. But for children in hospitals, it can be a lifeline -- a source of security, a reason to smile in the midst of pain.

"That's where all of this came from -- our experiences in the hospital, knowing that kids need that joy and laughter," Reynolds said.

After Kellan passed away in January 2020, Reynolds knew she needed to do something to honor his memory. That year, the first Kellan’s Legacy of Love toy drive collected 500 toys. Each year, the effort has grown. Last year, donations reached 2,100. This year, Reynolds hopes to collect 1,500 toys -- but donations have been slower than expected.

For Reynolds, the toy drive is about more than just giving gifts -- it’s about ensuring that her son’s name is never forgotten.

"It allows other people to know him," she said. "I can still talk about him as much as I want, and I get to teach people about his life and what he went through. And I get to spread his love to other kids."

She knows firsthand how overwhelming it can be for parents when their child is admitted to the hospital. Many don’t think about packing toys amid the stress of doctor’s visits and medical procedures. But something as simple as a stuffed animal, a coloring book or a board game can bring immense comfort -- not only to the child, but to the entire family.

"Their parents also feel comforted knowing that someone thought of their child," she said.

Toy collection boxes are scattered throughout Richmond, placed in restaurants, ice cream shops, museums and doctors’ offices. Each one tells Kellan’s story, inviting strangers to become part of his legacy.

"Hopefully this year we can help 2,500 children not be scared in the hospital, be entertained and feel loved," she said.

The toy drive will run until next month, giving the community time to rally behind the cause. You can find out where to donate and where by clicking here. They also have Amazon and Target wishlists set up.

For Reynolds, every toy represents a child who will feel just a little less alone. And every child who receives a toy is another reminder that Kellan’s love lives on.