Two years ago, high school junior Matthew Thayer from Richmond, Rhode Island, had a very short Christmas wish list. He wanted a toy drive. So, he and his family created that toy drive -- called Matthew’s Wish -- and have been accepting unwrapped toys to deliver to families in need ever since.
17-year-old Matthew lives with Down Syndrome, but he doesn't let it define him. Instead, he’s thinking of others, especially at this time of year.
Because of his passion and vision, dozens of boxes are being filled with hundreds of toys all around Rhode Island.
This year’s goal is to collect 1,000 toys -- and he’s well on his way.
And all the toys collected this holiday season will be transported during a parade on December 10th. Matthew will lead this parade of local police, ambulance and fire vehicles and deliver the donated toys to a local charity. (WPRI-TV)