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Toys Will Keep The Dream Alive

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

cpastor@tampatrib.com

Published: March 11, 2009

TAMPA - In the months before he died, 9-year-old Joey Doolittle got to put into action his idea to collect toys for children with cancer.

Joey, who lived in Newnan, Ga., had spent most of his life in and out of hospitals for treatment of a rare form of cancer. He knew firsthand how much it meant to receive a little toy or treat after a blood draw or procedure, and he got worried when he saw the supplies dwindle.

His family and friends helped create Joey's Toy Box, a nonprofit organization, to raise money and collect toys to donate to hospitals. The first effort, a "bike-a-thon" on stationary bikes at a gym, raised $1,800.

"We came home and counted money and went shopping that night," said Joey's mother, Kim Doolittle. "He loved it. When we were shopping, he was dancing in the aisles."

Although Joey died on July 4, his grandparents are taking his idea to Tampa.

Kim and her husband, Tom, graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1983. Kim's parents, Deane and Ginger Taylor, and members of her extended family also attended the Forest Hills high school, as far back as 1958.

The Taylors, who are retired but still live in the area, hope their community ties make the fundraiser a success. They have arranged for Lake Carroll Baptist Church, 12012 N. Rome Ave., to collect toys through April 7.

Used toys, Beanie Babies and stuffed animals cannot be accepted due to the weak immune systems many cancer patients have. Items will be donated to children with pediatric cancer and blood disorders at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. Doolittle said the children seem to enjoy picking out small toys, such as Matchbox cars and little dolls.

Joey was diagnosed at 3 months with rhabdomyosarcona, an aggressive, malignant tumor on his cheek. He was cancer-free for three years, but it returned when he was in kindergarten. But he stayed upbeat.

He loved playing baseball, wrestling with his older brothers and jumping on the trampoline. He rarely complained about his doctors' appointments.

"He'd blow kisses to the doctors and nurses and other patients," Taylor said. "He'd jump up on the examination bed. He never had a poor-me attitude."

The last year, however, wore on him, his mother said. That's when he started to rely on the toy closet for a pick-me-up. He could select a small trinket or earn "Joey Bucks" each time to apply to a larger toy.

The toy closet at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where he was a patient, ballooned with goodies after Christmas but around Easter had almost emptied. After a therapy session one day, Joey asked his mother "would people give money to a little kid?" He said he wanted to buy toys for the closet.

The first fundraiser was born. Since then, his school has done a cookout and motorcycle ride to raise money. They also had a Christmas toy drive. Monetary contributions pay for toys but also gas cards or gift cards for families, Doolittle said.

Donations have benefited children's hospitals and Georgia and Texas.

JOEY'S TOY BOX

The toy drive started March 3 and runs through April 7 at Lake Carroll Baptist Church, 12012 N. Rome Ave. Drop-offs are accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by arrangement with Deane or Ginger Taylor, at (813) 932-5005. For information about the organization, visit www.joeystoybox.net.

Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503.

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