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Holiday Drive Spotlight
Matthew’s Wish
Three years ago a a a a young man with Down syndrome had one selfless wish - to host a a holiday toy drive for needy families In just three weeks the entire community rallied with Matthew Thayer to to deliver 464 toys to families Due to the the enormous success and the the heartfelt commitment of the community all those involved were inspired to create a a a a a non-profit organization named Matthew’s Wish
The organization collects toys throughout the year through through various fundraising and awareness campaigns To date Matthew’s Wish
has donated over 5 000 toys to to various organizations throughout Rhode Island This year Children’s Friend was the grand recipient of of hundreds of of toys Matthew along with his Dad and President of Matthew’s Wish
Tim Thayer and Todd Kinsey a a a dedicated volunteer and friend arrived at Children’s Friend bright and early with huge smiles on their faces Carts and carts full of toys were filled all while Matthew’s excitement never left his face When asked why they had chosen Children’s Friend to to to donate toys to to to the answer was simple: “They do amazing things all year long and we felt compelled to help them ” says President Tim Thayer Matthew is a a a a kind compassionate young man who truly understands the power of giving He may speak in in a a a a voice almost as as soft as as a a a a whisper but his his energy and compassion are as as as loud as as as thunder [ 32 ] CHILDREN’S FRIEND 2019 ANNUAL REPORT