A Full Circle Moment: Our Shriners Children's Plush Drive at UH
There are certain moments in life that feel like they complete a circle.
For me, this plush drive was one of those moments, a moment filled with gratitude, memory, and grace.
In 2004, I became a patient at Shriners Children's Hospital after a life-changing accident. What followed were years of surgeries, appointments, physical therapy, healing, and moments of unexpected comfort. I completed treatment in 2022, but Shriners shaped nearly two decades of my life. It was a place where I learned the value of hope, perseverance, and the mysterious way God works through the hands and kindness of others.
One thing I will always remember is how small acts of love can reach the deepest places of the human heart. When you are young and hurting, a stuffed animal or a soft toy is more than fabric. It is a reminder that you are not alone. Now, years later, I wanted to bring that same comfort to the next generation of children walking the road I once walked.
Bringing the UH Community Together
This month at the University of Houston, I organized a plush toy drive for Shriners Children’s Hospital. The campus community responded with incredible generosity. Students, faculty, and staff came together and filled our bins with love.
A major part of our success came from our partner, Friendly Ford in Crosby. They generously donated 100 brand new stuffed animals, each one given with genuine care. Their support strengthened the mission immediately and helped us reach far more children than I ever expected. I am sincerely grateful to their entire team for believing in this work and living out a spirit of service that reflects the best of our community.
With the support of UH and Friendly Ford, we collected 250 stuffed animals. Every single one is a small reminder of hope for a child who needs just one sign that they are loved.
A Small Plot Twist
Like any story worth telling, this one had a surprising moment. At one of the collection sites, someone tossed food into one of the bins, damaging a few toys. It did not take away from the drive. In a way, it simply added a lighthearted moment to an otherwise beautiful week.
After nearly 18 years in and out of hospitals, I have learned to focus on what truly matters. A few damaged toys could not overshadow the generosity that surrounded this effort. The mission continued with joy, and the kindness of the UH community never slowed down.
(And yes, I am still curious about the mysterious food bandit.)
Why This Drive Matters To Me
As someone who arrived at Shriners as a child and completed treatment as an adult, I know exactly where these toys will go. I remember the hallways and waiting rooms. I remember the long moments between appointments. I remember the quiet prayers made when the day felt heavy.
I also remember the way a small gift could bring light into a difficult moment.
This drive was not only about giving.
It was about remembering.
It was about honoring the hospital that helped shape my life.
And it was about giving back a small piece of the love that God allowed others to give me.
To everyone who donated, thank you. You did more than give a stuffed animal. You gave comfort. You gave courage. You gave joy. And you became part of a child’s story of healing.
If you would like to support future drives or collaborate on service projects, feel free to reach out. This is only the beginning, and I hope it continues to be a work guided by charity, community, and the quiet presence of God in the lives of children who need it most.
In every small act of love, God allows us to share in His work of healing. A soft toy, a gentle gesture, or a moment of kindness can lift a child’s spirit in ways we may never fully see. May this effort be a reminder that charity begins with the heart, grows through community, and always finds its way to those who need it most.
Friendly Ford in Crosby
