Have a heart for kids

Photo by Chris Simon Alcona Chiropratic and Natural Health owner Mark Kohut is participating in the Wyatt’s Warriors Have a Heart toy drive until Dec. 15. Mark Kohut is in the spirit to give back.

The owner of Alcona Chiropractic and Natural Health is hosting a toy drive at his Innisfil Beach Road office, with proceeds being donated to the Wyatt's Warriors Have a Heart campaign. The campaign provides toys for kids with congenital heart ailments, who will be residing at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children during the holiday season.

"It was started by a group of families that were affected by congenital heart defects," he said. "Specifically, this was started because of a little guy named Wyatt, who lost his battle. His family has done a lot of stuff since then. Through Wyatt's Warriors, we have a number of different drop-off locations. It's for the kids that will be spending the holidays in the hospital."

Kohut's family was affected by Sick Kids several years ago.

"My nephew was born in June of 2008 with a major heart defect," he said. "He spent most of last year at Sick Kids; happily, he's at home now. That's what got me involved. I was approached by my sister-inlaw, saying they were looking for some help."

The toys can help make a hospital stay easier, said Kohut.

"Any little thing that can lift their spirits is a big help," he said. "You meet a lot of great families down there. But the reality is some of these kids are really alone. Anybody that can pitch-in will make a difference."

Ten businesses are participating in the toy drive, but Alcona Chiropractic is the only local site available for drop-offs.

Toys for children of all ages are needed, and volunteers will collect the donations on Dec. 15.

For more information, call 431-0505 or visit www.alconachiropractic.ca.