More than 3,000 toys were loaded into a truck by children from Marlton and Cherry Hill on Dec. 20 to be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Marlton resident Sam Levin, 10, and his mom Lauren Levin, spear-headed this annual fundraiser in honor of Sam’s cousin, Holton, who experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at 11 weeks old.

With the help of more than 60 schools, business and community members throughout the tri-state area, Holton’s Heroes donation boxes were filled with thousands of toys.

Children from Marlton and Cherry Hill helped to load the truck.

Holton’s Heroes began with Holton’s parents, Eric and Angela Weingrad, who wanted to give back to the community that helped lift them up after their own son’s struggle with TBI after being injured by the family’s nanny at only 11 weeks old.

Even though the Weingrads had stable careers, they were overwhelmed by the barrage of financial demands and the frustrating process of dealing with insurance companies and government programs. After the hardest year of their life fighting for Holton’s right to a full recovery, they recognized a need to help other families like theirs around the country.

As such, Holton’s Heroes was established in December 2015. It provides support, information and therapy tools for children and their families affected by a post-birth traumatic brain injury.

The goal is to serve the community by connecting children who have suffered a life-threatening, post-birth traumatic brain injury (TBI) with therapeutic tools and devices, enriching activities, educational information and resources for them and their loved ones.

For more information, visit www.holtonsheroes.org.