Hospital worker spends own money to buy 1,000 toys for sick kids

Story highlights

• Jessie Tendayi has been shopping for sick youngsters Christmas presents for eight years
• She hopes to ultimately make her giving a year-round mission

For the previous eight years, Jessie Tendayi, a meals service aide at Trinity Hospital in Chicago, has been selecting up further shifts and saving money for toys.

"It brings pleasure to me, and in addition brings pleasure to the youngsters, that I am making a distinction," Tendayi instructed CNN affiliate WGN.

She started in 2009 by giving 100 toys, however her output has since multiplied tenfold.

This yr, she spent $5,000 on 1,000 toys for sick youngsters at Advocate Youngsters's Hospital in Oak Garden, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.

"It is superb that somebody's giving their effort and time to verify youngsters within the hospital have an excellent Christmas too," one of many youngsters instructed WGN.

One mom appreciated all the assistance her son may get.

"He does not go away this room," she mentioned. "For him to have extra toys to play with and maintain him joyful whereas we're right here is extremely useful, humbling and superb."

Tendayi mentioned her dream is to provide presents year-round, serving to sick youngsters in hospitals 365 days a yr.