YORK, Pa. — Most teenagers want the latest, hot-ticket item for their birthdays. But not Jameson Shanabrough.
The soon-to-be 14-year-old's living room is filled with boxes of gifts, but none of them are going to him.
"I do it every year for my birthday because when I was little, unfortunately I was in the hospital after a dog bit me two times, " said Shanabrough. "And there was always a cart that went around with different toys and it would just boost my morale."
It's an experience that inspired his annual gift drive, Jameson's Wish. His collection drive kicked off May 1 and will run through July 31, ahead of his birthday.
"This year I’m at 1,900 right now, and I want to get up to 3,000 donations," said Shanabrough.
All donations collected will be given to Penn Medicine at Lancaster General. They are specifically looking for gift cards and arts and craft items, among other things.
Jameson says he wants every kid to have a sense of comfort during their medical stays, just like he was given.
"I was in their feet once and I know how scary and stressful it can be," said Shanabrough.
You can donate online or in person, at several upcoming car events. They are:
Cars, Coffee and more at The Markets at Hanover:
- Saturday, May 25, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Saturday, June 29, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Saturday, July 27, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Mel's Car Show:
- Sunday, June 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pottstown Car Show Nights:
- Saturday, June 1, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, including a link to an Amazon wish list, head here.