BROWNSVILLE — While many Kitsap youngsters are drafting their Christmas wish lists, Zachary Darner's gunning for a really big haul.
The Brownsville Elementary School 9-year-old is hoping for 5,000 toys that he will give to sick children at area hospitals. This isn't his first rodeo.
In the past two holiday seasons, Zachary has distributed more than 1,800 toys at Harrison Medical Center, Seattle Children's Hospital in Seattle and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.
"This project is important to me because my little brother Noah, who is now 3 years old, was sick when he was a baby and needed to go to the emergency room three times," Zachary told students at West Sound Technical Skills Center earlier this month during the toy drive kick-off. "I was there for the entire time, and it was very scary. I want children to feel safe and loved when they are in the hospital."
Noah recovered from the kidney problem that overshadowed his infancy, but Zachary and his family remain committed to the toy drive.
Zach and his parents, Rhandel Darner and Beth Friedman Darner, have started a nonprofit called Kidzz Helping Kidzz to help support Zach's ambitious goal. Local businesses have kicked in through donations and by hosting drop boxes.
Zachary has spoken to local service clubs and has received grants to help cover the costs of storage and delivery of the gifts.
"The hospitals will take as many toys as we receive," Zach told the students, pitching his plan like a pro, comfortable with the microphone. "We'll deliver the toys during the holidays right before Christmas this year."
Last year, West Sound Technical Skills Center collected 311 toys of a total 1,589 distributed by Kidzz Helping Kidzz, Zach told the crowd.
"You are all awesome, and I greatly appreciate your support," he said, eliciting a rousing round of applause.
"I think considering his age, it's a beautiful message that he's sending and an inspiration to everyone," said Tyler Rowland of Key Peninsula, who is enrolled in the school's Collision Repair Tech program.
Students in West Sound Tech's programs have launched a friendly competition to see which classroom will collect the most toys.
"We're collision repair. We always outdo every other class," Rowland said. "All of us have great team ethics, and I believe we're going to crush every other class when it comes to toys coming in."
"It's so encouraging to see this little guy's heart and to see the high-schoolers just inspired," said Karen Horan, cosmetology instructor. "It's contagious."
The family has decorated and distributed toy collection boxes to more than 40 locations, including two in Mason County.
Zach's toy drive got a jump start in April, when the Port Orchard Eagles donated 908 new toys. Kidzz Helping Kidzz has collected at least 1,225 toys to date, and Zach is optimistic he'll meet his goal.
"Only 3,775 toys to go," he said.
Kidzz Helping Kidzz is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages 2 to 16 years old. Toys will be collected through Dec. 18. To find a toy drop location, visit kidzzhelpingkidzz.org. Toys may be shipped to 10855 Silverdale Way NE, Unit 2224, Silverdale 98383.
