Staff photo / J.T. Whitehouse Grant Elford, 9, takes his turn as his cousin, Hyatt Conger, 9, plans his next move in the giant Connect Four game at Christmas in July at the Village Green in Canfield on Thursday. A toy collection, sponsored by the Canfield Police Department and the Kids Crew of the Mahoning Valley, took place for Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley.

CANFIELD — The Canfield Police Department joined hands with members of the Kids Crew of the Mahoning Valley to collect toys to be given out at Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley.

“Every child admitted to Akron Children’s Hospital gets a blanket, a pair of pajamas and a toy that is theirs to keep,” said Kids Crew committee member Marilyn Wurst.

She said children who are admitted to the hospital are often very ill and some come from poor families. Wurst said she recalled a mother who cried when her child received pajamas. The woman said the child never had pajamas before.

Kids Crew of the Mahoning Valley was formed 15 years ago. It is made up of approximately 35 unpaid volunteers who support Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley in many ways.

“Last year, we donated $25,000 to ACH for medicine,” Wurst said.

In 2018, the Canfield Police Department teamed up with Kids Crew to put on the Christmas in July event. They set up the City of Canfield’s oversized games, brought in a bounce-around obstacle course and provided free ice cream thanks to a partnership with Dairy Queen.

There also was a craft table where kids could assemble a wooden sailboat.

“This event has become our favorite of the year,” said Jenna Hoffsmith, whose son Benjamin, 4, and daughter Madelyn, 5, look forward to it.

The center of the event is the toy collection. Children, families and even retired people attend the event and donate toys for the drive. The toys are new and still in the wrapper. At the end of the event, the toys are loaded into the police cars and the trip is made to ACH.

“This year, we are hoping to fill two cruisers,” said Canfield Police detective Josh Wells. “We know these toys will brighten a child’s visit to ACH and take their mind off what they are there for.”

Wells said those who missed the toy drive can still drop them at ACH or at the Canfield Police Department.

“We’ll make sure the toys get to ACH,” Wells said.

The Canfield DQ plans to keep the support going by hosting a “Miracle Treat Day” on July 31 with all proceeds going to ACH.

Canfield police will be back on the Village Green with Family Fun Night 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 14. The event will feature live music, food trucks, activities and beer.

As for the Kids Crew, they will turn their sights to Dec. 12, 2025, when they host “Holiday Hopes and Dreams” at Mr. Anthony’s, 7440 South Ave. in Boardman. The event will cost $60 per person or $480 for a table of eight. The event will have a chance auction, silent auction and a bake shop. All proceeds from the event will benefit ACH.

“This year, we are focusing on the Food Farmacy at ACH,” Wurst said. “We have a need for sponsorships and donations. Visit www.kidscrewmahoningvalley.com for information.”

Kids Crew is actually made up of adult volunteers who form a support “crew” for Akron Children’s Hospital and the children who are admitted there.