By Elle Wood

HARRINGTON — Even at a young age, Brynlee Hughes knows the importance of giving, especially to sick kids.

Six-year-old Brynlee recently began collecting toys to donate to Nemours Children’s Health, a hospital in Wilmington.

“I wanted to do it because I thought it was nice,” she said.
Her philanthropy began in December, when she participated in a Toys for Tots drive at her school. She then decided she wanted to collect on her own and expressed the idea to her mother, Mandi Hughes.

“We figured we would absolutely dive in and help her out the best we could,” Ms. Hughes said.

At various times, Brynlee has been a patient at Nemours — getting treated for recurring ear infections and sleep apnea, plus having her tonsils removed — and she remembered receiving donated toys during her stays.

Plus, Ms. Hughes said her family enjoyed working with the facility’s staff.

“She has had to stay up there, and they were great up there,” she added. “Anytime anyone has anything going on, I tell them to go up to Nemours because they are so great with the kids.”

Brynlee has already exceeded her original goal of gathering 100 toys and has created another milestone as donation day approaches April 2. “Now, we passed (100), so right now, I want 199,” she said.

While some have donated toys directly to her, other have given monetary contributions. With that funding, Brynlee shops for the items.

“My favorite part is getting toys for other boys and girls,” she added.

Ms. Hughes said her family has always known Brynlee to show nothing but care and selflessness.

“We are super proud of her,” said her mother. “She’s always had a big heart and always wanted to give back to even just her friends.”

She also hopes Brynlee keeps her giving attitude as she gets older.

“At a young age, with everything she is doing, I really hope that it continues throughout her life, and she keeps the spirit that she has,” she said.