GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A young lady with a huge and courageous heart is looking at the final year of a very special project – her toy drive for UC Davis Children’s Hospital.

Gracie Gonzalez, a senior at Gridley High School, has been collecting donations for children that are being treated at UC Davis and are looking at hospitalizations or extended stays as they battle their illnesses. Her own experience as a youth inspired her to help other children going through health issues or that need a little extra cheer in their lives as they recover from treatments.

About her 6-year-long project, Gracie says, “Since this will be the last year of my UC Davis Children’s Hospital Christmas drive, I wanted to get an early start this year…I want this year to be my biggest and best year yet before I head off to college.” She goes on to say that she is planning a career in Nursing, no doubt to continue her journey of compassion and caring for others. “I hope to help other kids who are scared, like I was many times, feel better.”

The GHS Leadership Class has joined her mission to make this her biggest UC Davis Christmas Drive yet. Together, they have found much support from the community but are still looking for help from generous souls.

The group is asking for the following items to help comfort and bring cheer to ill children this holiday season: Blankets, twin sheets, iTunes gift cards, movies for ages 2-17, board and card games, socks, slippers, toys (ages 2-12, earbuds/headphones, toothbrushes, and video games. Items need to be new with tags attached.

While donations for all age ranges are welcome, Gracie has said that teens are often overlooked. She is hoping to collect more gifts geared towards teenagers this year.

Gracie and the Leadership Class are also asking for small Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments to adorn them with. “The hospital said that the kids LOVE to light up their rooms with the trees and I agree.” Says Gracie, “It made my mom and I feel at home when it lit up my room each night.”

Monetary donations are always welcome – donations will be used to purchase more gifts for the children being treated.

“My hope is that we have car loads of donations to take down to the hospital this year from our awesome community. Nothing would make me more happy,” says Gracie.

To support this worthy cause and donate, please take donations to the Gridley High School front office no later than December 5^th. Donations will be delivered to the hospital on December 9^th, 2022.