Toy Drive Continues to Honor Memory of Baby Westyn

Left: Westyn Genens; Right: Parents Jeff and Sarah Genens and daughter Ivy drop off toys at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn in December 2013. Credit: Submitted photos.

By Shannon Antinori

Westyn Genens’ life may have lasted just a few short months, but his legacy continues to spread Christmas cheer to kids facing the holidays in the hospital.

Now, a toy drive founded by the Joliet infant’s parents, Sarah and Jeff Genens, is spreading throughout the suburbs.

Born with congenital heart defects, baby Westyn died in August 2007.

Each Christmas since then, the Genens — joined now by Westyn’s little sisters Ivy, 7, and Paisley, 1 — have worked to keep his memory alive by spreading joy to hospitalized kids.

Toys collected for Westyn’s Wish are distributed to children spending the holidays at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn each December.

This year, the Genens hope to surpass last year’s efforts, which brought in 1,670 toys and $700 in gift cards

Want to help? Drop off new, unwrapped toys for all ages — from infants through age 18 — at any of the following locations between Nov. 27 and Dec. 18.

Rockdale

• Marino Truck and Equipment Repair, 604 Elm Court

Romeoville

• Planet Chiropractic, 432 N Weber Rd

Joliet

• Donut Den, 3021 Theodore St.
  
• Karges Realty, 208 N. Larkin Ave.
  
• Moonstep Productions, 1523 Plainfield Rd., Suite 5
  
• Rick’s RV Center, 4360 W Jefferson St
  
• Salon David Anthony, 2621 W. Jefferson St
  
• Symphony of Joliet, 306 North Larkin Avenue
  

New Lenox

• Lancaster Eye Care, 402 E. Lincoln Highway (Rte. 30)
  
• VIP Automotive, 12535 Old Plank Trail

Frankfort

• The Grachan Agency, 20855 South La Grange Road # 200
• All Aboard! Family Dining and Amusement, 20831 South La Grange Road

Mokena

• A Suite Salon Room 101, 19255 Everett Lane
  

Crest Hill

• Reza’s Auto Repair, 2386 Jorie Ct

Shorewood

• Brandolino’s Encore Music Center, 700 Jefferson St
• Shorewood - Troy Library, 650 Deerwood Drive

Plainfield

• Boozle B’s Boutique, 11830 S Rte 59
• Chicago Brew Werks, 14903 S Center St #107
• Interstate All Battery, 11912 S. Spaulding School Dr
• Lil Bo-Tique Children’s Consignment, 13717 S Route 30, Ste 105

Mount Greenwood

• The Lockbox, 3400 W 111th Street

Chicago

• Wise Owl Drinkery & Cookhouse, 324 S. Racine Ave

Countryside

• Lively Arts Dance & Fine Arts, 919 W 55th St, Ste A
  

Chicago Heights

• Prairie Tire and Auto Center, 291 S Halsted St

Tinley Park

• Shea’s Bakery, 17016 Oak Park Ave