AUSTIN, Texas — A Belton family is asking for help collecting toys for children in the hospital over the holidays, all to honor the memory of their late son.
The Hyde family is launching a donation drive for their first Blake legacy project, Stockings from the Heart.
The project is named after their son, Blake Hyde, who died of a rare heart condition in August of 2023. The family said through Stockings from the Heart, they plan to put together a Christmas stocking for every patient in the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU) at Dell Children's Medical Center in Austin, the same unit where Blake Hyde was treated.
"(Blake) was and is so special to so many of us. Getting to love him during his time with us was the most wonderful gift but we do miss him more than I can put into words. The mark he left on our lives did not go with him and we are on a mission to carry on our incredibly brave boy’s legacy," Blake's mother, Julie Hyde, said in the announcement of the project.
In addition to the stockings, the Hyde family said they also hope to put together "feel-good bags" for parents of the children in the CCU.
"Blake was a brave heart warrior that fought his battles while radiating light, joy and love," said Julie Hyde.
The family has created an Amazon Wishlist of toys and other gifts for the drive, which can be found at this link.
Hyde says to be sure participants select the appropriate shipping option when donating so don't ship to themselves.
"Our sweet Blake made a beautiful and lasting impact on every single person lucky enough to know him. Stockings From The Heart is a way we can carry on his legacy through the act of giving," said Julie Hyde.
The Hyde family said they plan to get the stocking to the CCU in the beginning of December. They ask those who would like to contribute to have their items delivered by Nov. 25.
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