WEST FRANKFORT (WSIL) -- Many deserve recognition for their efforts with a local toy drive, but a local baker stood out amongst all the givers.
Vickie Barnard owns Baking Memories out of her home in West Frankfort. She used her business to help kids at Children's Hospital in St. Louis get toys by collecting hundreds of dollars for Grants Toy Box.
Grant's Toy Box, was named after 3-year-old Grant Hock, who died in May from cancer. As a way to honor Grant's memory, his mother Karah Hock, posted on Facebook her efforts for a toy collection for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which is in September. She said Grant loved Hotwheel cars and would play with them at the hospital.
Barnard saw the Facebook post and decided to make cookies and sold them in a do it yourself box for kids to decorate with their families. She collected $780.00 and gave all of the proceeds to Karah.
"I want people to remember Grant and his family because they are the ones who have sacrificed," said Benard.
Benard said she could not have done it without the help and support of her family. She said they are always willing to pitch in for a good cause. She's been in business for about five years and loves to raise money for causes she believes in.
Karah said she's grateful to Benard and all of the people who donated money and bought the boxes from Benard.
Karah purchased all the toys herself and dropped them off at the St. Louis hospital. She hopes to continue with Grant's Toy Box every year.
