Batavia, NY, October 6, 2025
A 13-year-old student from Batavia Middle School successfully raised $2,500 through a bottle drive and online fundraiser to provide toys and games for young patients at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. This initiative, now in its third year, aims to improve the hospital experience for children facing serious health challenges by offering comfort and distraction during their treatments. The project also serves as a great example of service-learning, integrating practical skills into community service efforts.
Batavia Middle School Student Raises Funds for Children’s Hospital
Batavia, NY – A 13-year-old student from Batavia Middle School has collected $2,500 to provide toys and games for young patients at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. The initiative, organized through a school-wide bottle drive and an online fundraiser, aims to improve the hospital experience for children dealing with serious health challenges.
The funds will purchase items designed to bring comfort and distraction during medical treatments. Organizers focused on selecting age-appropriate toys that encourage play, which helps in reducing stress for the young patients. The delivery of these contributions occurred at a special event involving school representatives and community members, highlighting the direct impact of the effort.
This fundraising project stands out as a key example of service-learning within the school curriculum. It incorporates practical applications of mathematics, such as calculating totals from donations, and public speaking exercises through presentations about the cause. Educators in Genesee County have recognized the effort for demonstrating how students can connect classroom skills to real-world community needs.
At the hospital, child life specialists emphasize the value of these donations in supporting therapeutic activities. Play-based interventions, facilitated by such gifts, assist in easing anxiety and fostering emotional well-being among hospitalized children. The contributions align with broader efforts to create positive environments in pediatric care settings.
Student’s Ongoing Commitment
This marks the third consecutive year that the student has spearheaded a similar drive. The project originated from a personal family experience with hospital treatment, which inspired a focus on supporting other families in similar situations. Over the years, the initiative has grown in scope, drawing increased participation from the school community.
Local businesses played a supportive role by matching donations, which amplified the total value to exceed $3,000 in donated goods. This collaboration not only boosted the financial outcome but also strengthened ties between the school and nearby enterprises. The additional resources ensured a wider variety of toys could be provided, covering needs for different age groups.
School and Community Recognition
The school principal has praised the student’s leadership qualities, noting how the project motivates other students to initiate their own community service activities. This recognition underscores the ripple effect of one individual’s effort in encouraging broader involvement among peers.
As the winter season nears, plans are in place for an expanded holiday toy collection. This upcoming phase will build on the current success, aiming to sustain support for the hospital throughout the year. The initiative reflects a proactive approach to ongoing philanthropy, adapting to seasonal opportunities for giving.
Participation and Impact in Western New York
Community members interested in contributing can direct support through the school’s established online platform or the hospital’s foundation. These channels ensure that donations reach the intended purpose efficiently, maintaining transparency in how funds are used.
The story illustrates the significant role of youth-led efforts in enhancing local healthcare support. In Western New York, such projects highlight how young people can drive meaningful change, fostering a culture of giving and empathy within their communities. The combination of personal motivation, educational integration, and collaborative support has created a model for sustainable community involvement.
Overall, the fundraiser demonstrates the potential for student initiatives to make tangible differences in healthcare settings. By addressing the emotional needs of pediatric patients through simple yet thoughtful actions, it contributes to a more compassionate regional support network. This effort not only aids the hospital but also educates participants on the importance of civic engagement from an early age.
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FAQ
What is the main achievement of the Batavia Middle School student?
A 13-year-old student from Batavia Middle School has collected $2,500 to provide toys and games for young patients at Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo.
How was the fundraising conducted?
The initiative was organized through a school-wide bottle drive and an online fundraiser.
What is the purpose of the donated items?
The funds will purchase toys and games to improve the hospital experience for children dealing with serious health challenges, reducing stress during medical treatments.
How does this project connect to school learning?
This fundraising project stands out as a key example of service-learning within the school curriculum, incorporating practical applications of mathematics, such as calculating totals from donations, and public speaking exercises through presentations about the cause.
What role do hospital specialists play?
Child life specialists emphasize the value of these donations in supporting therapeutic activities, where play-based interventions assist in easing anxiety and fostering emotional well-being among hospitalized children.
Is this a new effort?
This marks the third consecutive year that the student has spearheaded a similar drive, which originated from a personal family experience with hospital treatment.
How did businesses contribute?
Local businesses played a supportive role by matching donations, which amplified the total value to exceed $3,000 in donated goods.
What recognition has the student received?
The school principal has praised the student’s leadership qualities, noting how the project motivates other students to initiate their own community service activities.
What are the future plans?
As the winter season nears, plans are in place for an expanded holiday toy collection.
How can others get involved?
Community members interested in contributing can direct support through the school’s established online platform or the hospital’s foundation.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Fundraising Amount | $2,500 collected through bottle drive and online efforts |
| Beneficiary | Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo for young patients |
| Student Age and School | 13-year-old from Batavia Middle School |
| Project Duration | Third consecutive year of similar drives |
| Educational Integration | Incorporates math and public speaking in service-learning |
| Business Support | Matching donations leading to over $3,000 in goods |
| Future Initiative | Planned holiday toy collection as winter approaches |
| Community Impact | Reduces anxiety via play therapy for hospitalized children |
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