Kid to Kid: How One Young Leader Is Healing the World with Toys

Recently, we had the privilege of meeting someone truly extraordinary — a young changemaker named Jacob, who is already making a powerful impact through youth-led fundraising for kids in need. His heart, his mission, and his determination reminded us exactly why the Children’s Toy Fund, Inc exists: to bring hope, comfort, and play to children in hospitals, foster care, and crisis situations.

Meet Jacob: The Heart Behind HTW Kids

Jacob is the founder of HTW (Heal the World) Kids, an inspiring initiative working alongside the Ragon House Warehouse Sale. What sets HTW Kids apart is its mission — it's a kid-run charity that supports other children in need. Their goal? To heal the world through kindness, service projects, and creative fundraising.

This spring, Jacob and HTW Kids chose to support our nonprofit that donates toys to hospitalized children and youth in foster care. Their message is simple yet powerful: kids helping kids makes the world a better place.

A Gift That Gives Back

Jacob’s team raised a remarkable $8,243.21 to help our mission of delivering toys to children facing illness, injury, or crisis. 🤩🤯

These funds will be used to supply hospital toy donations, comfort bundles for foster care children, and emergency response toy kits. Every plush animal, fidget toy, coloring book, and care item we deliver is more than a gift — it’s a way to bring emotional support and a sense of normalcy during uncertain times.

The fact that this initiative came from kids makes the impact even more special. It’s not just about what they gave — it’s about how they’re inspiring others to get involved in acts of kindness for children in need.

A Full-Circle Moment

When Jacob and his mother from Ragon House Warehouse Sale visited us, he shared that his younger brother was once a patient at Akron Children’s Hospital during which he received a few small comfort items. That experience left a lasting impression on Jacob — one that sparked curiosity, gratitude, and a drive to pay it forward.

As Jacob searched for organizations that deliver similar items to children in difficult situations, he came across the Children’s Toy Fund. His decision to support us was a full-circle moment: kindness he witnessed firsthand led him to extend that kindness to others.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

This is how nonprofits that help kids in hospitals and foster care make a difference. We believe in the ripple effect: when a child receives a small act of kindness — a soft teddy bear, a cheerful game, or a personalized care package — it creates lasting hope.

Jacob’s story shows that even one meaningful experience can inspire years of giving. He’s living proof that supporting children’s charities doesn’t require being an adult — just being kind, courageous, and compassionate.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To Jacob: THANK YOU for your generosity, leadership, and heart. You are a shining example of what it means to make a difference — and your journey is just beginning.

To the team at HTW Kids and supporters at Ragon House Warehouse Sale: Thank you for showing the world that kids’ charity work can be powerful and life-changing.

From Our Hearts to Yours

Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. Behind every box of toys is a story — sometimes one we may never hear, and other times, like with Jacob, one that touches us deeply and reminds us that kindness is contagious.

What started as a meaningful moment for his family grew into a powerful ripple of generosity, led by a young person with a heart full of purpose.

Jacob, your story inspires us. You’ve shown that no one is ever too young to make a difference, and that compassion has the power to bring people together in the most beautiful ways.

Thank you for reminding us that what we give today may spark something even greater tomorrow. We're honored to be part of your journey — and we’ll carry this moment with us as we continue ours 💛🧸