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The Hodge, Bodiford and Wix families delivered the donated toys to Children's Hospital of Georgia on Dec. 22.
Children and their parents enjoy snow from machines during the light display at Craig and Trina Wix's house on Dec. 9.
The crew from Russell's Pizza pose for a photo with "American Idol" Top 8 finalist Warren Peay (center) after the Jenna's Toy Drive Live event on Dec. 9 in Barnwell.
Miss Teen Barnwell County Anna Kate Richardson (right) with her mother Kim at the Jenna's Toy Drive Live event.
Craig and Trina Wix, along with their daughters Chloe and Charlee, pose for a photo with Santa after the Jenna's Toy Drive Live event at their home.
Patients at Children’s Hospital of Georgia had a brighter Christmas thanks to generous donations from the Barnwell County community.
The Jenna Strong Toy Drive raised more than $6,000 in toys and monetary donations to help the children seeking treatment at the hospital. Twenty-one totes stuffed with toys, along with other bags and boxes, were delivered to the hospital on Dec. 22.
“I wish I could put into words what this toy drive means, not only to me but to the kids at the hospital. I was told tonight that the hospital is full, there are so many children and families not home this Christmas. I pray that the children and their families feel the love of Christ as they receive these gifts. I’m extremely thankful for the way that God continues to bless this toy drive and for the continued support from our community,” said toy drive organizer Emma Hodge.
Hodge started the toy drive following the death of her friend, Jenna Bodiford, in 2018. Bodiford died at the age of 14 from cancer, but her legacy lives on through the toy drive.
“Six years ago it was laid on my heart to take up some toys in Jenna’s name and donate them to the Children’s Hospital, where she spent a lot of time in her last months here on earth,” said Hodge.
Every year, Hodge places donation boxes at various local businesses during the holiday season. For the past three years, the Wix family has used their Christmas light display at their house to help the toy drive by encouraging visitors to bring new toys or a monetary donation.
“I loved Jenna when she was a patient of mine and I saw the souls come to Christ through her struggle and love,” said Dr. Craig Wix of Palmetto Dentistry in Barnwell.
In December 2020, Wix and his family binged “The Great Christmas Light Fight” on ABC while they were home sick with COVID. “I didn’t want to think about death. We had a family member die from it the summer of 2020. Not only did I binge this show, but I binged YouTube learning this hobby,” said Wix of Christmas light displays.
At the same time, he saw how Jenna’s Toy Drive was the only toy drive that delivered toys to the children’s hospital in 2020, when Salvation Army and Toys for Toys could not due to legalities during COVID.
“I couldn’t get that out of my mind and that is how our family’s light show began. It was an effort worth backing. Now it’s a ministry and a promise,” said Wix of supporting the toy drive.
In addition to the toy drive, this year’s special event at the light display included performances from “American Idol” Top 8 finalist Warren Peay, the Barnwell High Majorettes, and the Hands in Motion girls from Hagood Avenue Baptist, plus a visit from Santa.
“I love getting to remember and celebrate Jenna while spreading the love of Christ as Jenna did so faithfully! God is doing an amazing work through this toy drive and I’m forever thankful to everyone who comes together to make it a success year after year,” said Hodge.
Brett and Becky Bodiford, the parents of Jenna, said this toy drive has changed the meaning of who they consider family.
“Through Jenna, we have learned that Barnwell and the surrounding areas are made up of a community of love and family. When in need everyone in the CSRA stepped up as if we were their blood relatives. Some six years later this feeling is still very much alive. Each year at Christmas we ask for help in collecting toys for the children’s hospital and each year we are amazed at the response,” said the Bodifords.
The Bodifords thank everyone who supports the toy drive or plays some role – large or small. Having seen what Jenna went through, her parents know the impact that receiving a toy can have on a pediatric patient.
“While CHOG is a wonderful facility, children still must grow up before their time, and face situations that should not be experienced by children. The cold and heaviness of a hospital stay on Christmas is softened, and the innocence of Christmas is restored, if only for a short time because of you. That small stuffed animal, coloring book, or special doll that was donated brings with it hope and happiness. From the bottom of our hearts, know that we love this community. Words cannot express our hearts' appreciation for the remembrance of Jenna or the sacrificial donations,” said the Bodifords.
The community coming together for this toy drive is a perfect example of Galatians 6:2, which says, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
“These words teach us to comfort one another, sympathize with one another in sorrow, and accommodate one another’s weaknesses. Thank you for living this verse out through your giving, your prayers, and your willingness to be more than neighbors. You are our family,” said the Bodifords.
Trina Wix, Craig’s wife, said it was a blessing to once again travel with Hodge, her parents, and the Bodifords to the hospital to deliver the toys.
“I pray for healing for each of them,” said Trina of the children.
The community’s generosity in memory of Jenna shines brighter than the 27,000 lights adorning the Wix family’s home.
