Islip Elementary School Helps Fifth-Grader With Toy Drive

ISLIP, NY — An Islip fifth-grade student recently led a successful toy drive at her elementary school to help children at Cohen Children's Medical Center.

The family of Olivia Colletti, a student at Maude S. Sherwood Elementary School, began collecting toys for the hospital eight years ago. They were inspired to help the other children after Olivia’s younger sister Emerson had lifesaving heart surgery at the medical center.

"As Emerson got older, Olivia began to inquire about what happened to her little sister," the girls' mother, Tara Colletti, said.

After Tara explained to Olivia how the doctors fixed Emerson’s heart, Olivia became determined to find a way to say thank you to "Emerson’s hospital."

When her sister had to go back to the hospital for another surgery, Olivia became concerned that Emerson would not be home for Christmas.

She was also worried that Santa would not be able to find all of the children in the hospital.

That's when the family started Olivia’s toy drive.

When Olivia's school got wind of the family's effort to help others, they began collecting toys to contribute to Olivia's toy drive as well.

"In support of their efforts, our school collected toys for Cohen as well," Sherwood PTA President Kristy Evans said. It is a very touching story, and we are so proud of Olivia and Emerson."