What The Mighty Miles Foundation's First Annual Toy Drive Means to us

The trunk is loaded, and the toys are secure. Safely strapped in for the journey from Reedsburg, WI to their first drop off at the Ronald McDonald house in Rochester, MN this Thursday, October 10th.

Our annual toy drive is a heartfelt way to honor Jodie's son, Miles. We made a pledge that every year on August 8th—his birthday and the day he passed away—we will come together to celebrate his memory through the gift of toys. These toys are more than just a stuffie, a puzzle, or a game; they carry the same comfort and joy that brought light to Miles during his time in the hospital and at the Ronald McDonald House.

I had a chat with Founder Jodie Sherwood about her plans to take these toys to be donated. "Sadly, Miles spent much of his life in hospitals, where I saw firsthand the power that a simple toy could have." Jodie Reminisced. "I always wanted his room to feel like any other little boy’s—filled with toys, imagination, and fun. Unfortunately, looking around in the hospital rooms where he had spent so much time, the only word that comes to mind is 'Dreary'. Even for me, staring at white walls and medical equipment with often times no natural light took a massive toll on me emotionally. You can only imagine what that would do to the mind of a developing child."

"At the ICU, there was one toy room per floor. This is a great step in the right direction. But all too often, the toy rooms at the ICU and at the Ronald McDonald House were empty or filled with broken toys from constant use." Jodie continues, "The toy rooms were wonderful to have, but they desperately need help being filled."

For children facing serious medical challenges, toys aren’t just something to pass the time—they are a way to escape the hardship they are enduring. They bring smiles, hope, and comfort when it’s needed the most. "I vividly remember how Miles’ face would light up every time I gave him a new toy," Jodie shared. "After a nap or a tough procedure, those toys became his world, even if just for a little while. They turned a dreary hospital room into a place where he could still be a child."

"That’s why this toy drive means so much to me and to the families who rely on places like the Ronald McDonald House. By donating toys, we can make sure every child has a little something to brighten their day, to help them forget their circumstances for a moment, and to bring color back into their lives."

Instead of bringing flowers for Miles' funeral, Jodie asked that instead guests bring a toy to be donated. "I know it's different, but it's a change I think more people should make," Jodie explained. "Flowers can get expensive. on average, a normal bouquet of flowers can be upwards of $50. As much as I love having fresh blooms in my home, I realized I’d rather have that money and effort be used to make a difference in the lives of sick children."

Jodie, along with the entire team at The Mighty Miles Foundation would like to thank everyone who brought a toy to be donated at Miles' funeral. Your kindness and generosity in such a difficult time not only touched our hearts but also inspired what will now become an annual event to help children in need.

We would also like to give a special thanks to Turnpoint Pentecostal Church in Reedsburg, Grede in Reedsburg, Gamut Capital Management, Hartje Family Charitable Foundation Inc., Zion Lutheran Chruch in La Valle, and Maplewood Nursing home in Sauk City. The Support and the kindness you showed will continue to bring joy, comfort, and smiles to countless children for years to come.

This year's toy drive is not over yet. In total, we received about 250 toys. Half will go to Minnesota, and the other half will be going to our next stop, the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee, WI.

Remember to mark your calendars for next year, August 8th, 2025, and join us in this effort by participating in our toy drive. We will have information about next year's toy drive and all other upcoming events on our website shortly. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to never miss an update from us.

Your donation makes a world of a difference. Together, we can bring comfort, joy, and hope to children who need it most. Let’s work together to make these Kiddo’s days a little brighter and help them Smile Like Miles.