After Roof Leak Destroyed Donations, Pittsburghers Rally to Make Toy Drive Bigger Than Ever
By: Liz Reid
It started with a roof leak and will end with hundreds of smiling children.
Every year, the staff at the UPMC Matilda H. Theiss Health Center in Pittsburgh’s Hill District hosts a holiday toy shop for patients and their children. It’s a small affair, usually serving around 50 families. But, over Thanksgiving, dozens of toy donations were destroyed, when water poured in from a leak in the roof. The staff was devastated.
“It felt like a tragedy,” said Jessica Magnu, the health center’s community outreach coordinator and a registered dietitian. “But it turned into something wonderful.”
Health Center staff sorting piles of toys.
As soon as Pittsburghers got word that the toys were ruined, they rallied to help – and help in a big way. New toy donations poured in – so many that staff had to tap the local nonprofit Macedonia FACE to help with storing the toys and coordinating the distribution event, which moved from the clinic to the nearby Thelma Lovette YMCA.
The line for the toy distribution snaked around the corner as moms, dads, grandparents, aunts and uncles eagerly awaited to shop for their little ones. From infant toys and baby dolls to books, puzzles and games for teens, there was something for everyone. Staff and volunteers also received donations of coats, hats, gloves, infant formula and diapers for the families. In all, nearly 600 children will receive gifts from the toy drive.
Penguins mascot Iceburgh came to support the toy drive.
“We are absolutely blown away by the show of love and support from our neighbors well beyond the borders of the Hill District,” said Dr. Jonathan Yadlosky, medical director at the clinic. “We had no idea the response would be this big.”
Randy Coleman came to pick up gifts for his grandson and twin granddaughters. With two Barbies and a football in hand, Coleman said the toy drive was a blessing.
“People gave from their heart because it’s Christmastime. It’s a time for giving,” Coleman said. “This event brings people together, there’s people outside in the line, conversating, communicating, this is a community event and it’s lovely to be out today.”
As a family medicine practice, the health center provides comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families of all ages. Dr. Yadlosky said community initiatives like the toy drive are an important part of that care. He also volunteers as team doctor for the Hill District Rebels, a neighborhood youth football team. As news of the toy drive spread, so did news of another need: an AED for the football team.
“Incredibly, an individual stepped forward and offered to just buy one outright,” said Dr. Yadlosky. “That’s what Pittsburghers do.”
