FAYETTEVILLE, Ohio — Fourteen-year-old Joshua Jones said he knows what it's like to struggle around the holiday season.
The Fayetteville Middle School student said his family has faced financial difficulties due to health problems, but he said he knows there are kids going through worse.
That's why Jones started a toy drive; he hopes to give toys and clothes to children in need.
“I’ve been through hard times, my family … I know what it’s like to not get much on Christmas, and I wanted to give back,” Jones said.
Jones is collecting presents for the Mid-Western Children’s Home, an organization that offers adoption, fostering and group home programs for kids under 18.
Jones is hoping to collect gifts specifically for teenagers and older children.
“When you see other people get stuff, it kinda breaks your heart a little bit,” Jones said. “And I can’t imagine not having a family, not having a mom or dad. So I wanna do something about that.”
Jones will deliver the donations a few days before Christmas. He admits there's a little something in it for him too.
“Just being able to see a smile on the kids’ faces will mean a lot to me,” Jones said.
Anyone who wants to donate can drop toys or clothes at the Fayetteville Police Department between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Jones will accept donations until Dec. 20.
