Matthew Davis of the Cummins Engine Toy Drive holds some of the toys that were donated by the employees of Cummins Engine Jamestown Plant. Submitted photo

Last year was an unfortunate year for many, one being Cummins Engine’s Toy Drive. They had to put a hold on collecting and delivering toys to the pediatric patients at UPMC Chautauqua but knew they would continue as soon as they were able.

“Matthew Davis has been such an inspiration,” said Megan Barone UPMC Chautauqua director of development. “He had a vision five years ago to help our community children to cope and adjust to illness and hospitalization with giving a gift to meet the developmental, psychosocial, emotional and educational needs of our patients. His vision came to life in the eyes and smiles of the children. When he reached out to me last year amidst the pandemic, he was so disappointed he wouldn’t be able to have the collection site at the plant.”

Davis has been able to help support over 500 children each year, providing comfort to over 2,000 children over the four-year span of Cummins employees donations. The children who are given the toys will be able to take them home with them to enjoy.

Davis’ vision of helping UPMC Chautauqua Hospital’s children started with himself and a few others at Cummins Engine and has turned into the employees looking forward to donating a toy at Easter time.

“I enjoy doing this every year and want to see it grow bigger each year, so we can help provide some happiness for the children in our community. With the pandemic, we had to hold out in 2020, but we have received so many donations this year, I’m proud to be a part of this celebration” stated Matthew.

Cummins Engine Easter Toy Drive will benefit patients throughout the hospital in areas such as Emergency Room, Maternity (for newborns), Pediatrics, Adolescent Mental Health, Speech and Hearing, Radiology, Sleep Study, and ENT.