Led by fifth grader Olivia Colletti, Sherwood recently joined in a successful toy drive to benefit Cohen Children’s Medical Center. The Colletti family began collecting toys for the hospital’s children eight years ago, spurred by the experience of Olivia’s younger sister Emerson, who had lifesaving heart surgery at the medical center.

“As Emerson got older, Olivia began to inquire about what happened to her little sister,” said their mother, Tara Colletti. “After explaining to her that the doctors fixed Emerson’s heart, Olivia became determined to find a way to say thank you to ‘Emerson’s hospital.’ Emerson had another surgery and was in the hospital, and Olivia was concerned that Emerson would not be home in time for Christmas and that Santa would not be able to find all of the children that were not at home in their beds waiting for him. At that moment, Olivia’s toy drive was born.”

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