Toy drive is no child’s play

Staring at the table overflowing with toys, books and videos, some of the five Tiger Cubs looked in awe at the bounty they were donating. Some even looked a little sad as they recognized a toy they had given up or saw an unfamiliar plaything they wanted.

Despite the temptation, 6-year-old Joshua Tsuda said he feels good about what they did.

“Because if I was at the hospital and I didn’t have any toys, I would be sad,” Joshua said.

Tiger Club Pack 435 delivered about 70 toys to Fountain Valley Regional Hospital’s pediatric unit Friday. The boys gave up some of their toys and passed out fliers encouraging their friends and neighbors to donate to their toy drive “Pediatrics — Stat!” The boys are working toward a community service ribbon on their Boy Scouts 100th year anniversary patch.

The hospital is always in need of gently used plastic or metal toys, anything that can be easily sanitized, said Adrienne Feilden, the hospital’s Child Life Specialist. The toys aren’t just for entertainment at the hospital. Children often act out whatever they are going through in real life with toys, Feilden said.

“It’s not just play. It’s a coping mechanism,” she said.

While delivering the toys, the boys got to see firsthand how they will brighten days. Sitting in a cartoon-printed hospital gown in the pediatrics playroom, 5-year-old Jasmin Mccaa was the first to play with one of the donated toys. As Jasmin turned on the pink, oversized My Little Pony, her face broke into a shy grin when the toy started talking and moving.

“That little girl was so excited to get that toy, and a lot of other kids are going to be just as excited as her,” Valerie Spingola, a mother and den leader to the boys, said as they were eating snacks outside the hospital.

The drive was personal for Spingola, whose son Matthew spent more than a week in the hospital when he was younger, with several days in intensive care. Matthew was never well enough to visit the playroom, but toys were brought into his room. Matthew said he doesn’t remember his time in the hospital, but he feels good about helping other kids.

Some of the boys had never been to a hospital before and learned about its function. They also got to ask Feilden about what she does, what her favorite part of her job is and what sports she plays. Joshua asked the last question: How many toys does the hospital have?

“Well, I have a lot more now,” Feilden said.