A Lincoln family delivered a special dose of holiday cheer to CHI Health St. Elizabeth this week, donating 1,599 toys to pediatric patients in memory of their son.
The Brestel family has held the annual toy drive for 21 years to honor Josh Brestel, who died from kidney cancer at age 4. Josh received part of his treatment at St. Elizabeth, and his birthday (Dec. 13) has become a marker for the family’s yearly donation.
This year’s drive set a record, filling more than 19 boxes with toys that will be distributed to children receiving care throughout the hospital, including the Pediatric Place Emergency Room, imaging department, and burn unit.
“It’s therapy to a certain extent. It’s remembering him every year,” said Diane Brestel. “And our kids probably won’t ever let us stop. People are still supporting it, and we’ve always had good toy drives.”
The toys are purchased by the Brestel family and supplemented through donations from family members, friends and their church community.
St. Elizabeth serves approximately 6,500 pediatric patients each year. Hospital officials said the donation helps bring comfort and normalcy to children spending the holidays in medical care.
Those interested in learning more about the Josh Brestel Toy Drive can find information by searching “Josh Toy Drive” on Facebook. CHI Health St. Elizabeth and the Nebraska Heart Foundation also accept donations year-round through the CHI Health website.