YORK, Pa. — Most people look forward to getting gifts on their birthdays.
But for the past five years, 12-year-old Jameson Shanabrough has been spending his big day giving gifts to others.
"I kind of just thought about other people and wanted to help other people," said Jameson. "So then I came up with the idea of giving toys to kids in the hospital because I’ve been in the hospital."
He's once again collecting brand new toys, books, movies and gift cards to lift young patients' spirits during their hospital stays.
He shared what it meant to have something like a toy to look forward to during his own visit.
"I got bit by a dog and then I was in the hospital for a little while and there was a cart that came around," he said. "You got to pick a toy off of it and it was just motivating."
Jameson has collected more than 2,200 donations—exceeding his goal. But he's not done yet and is still collecting through the end of July.
The toys will be delivered to Penn State Health Children's Hospital in August, in celebration of his upcoming 13th birthday.
"I hope they bring them happiness," he said. "They can kind of get their mind off things happening and they can use it to kind of cope."
Jameson's father says giving has now become a family tradition.
"His little brother, who is 9 years old, is raising donations for local animal causes," said Chris Shanabrough.
He's proud of both his sons and especially the reach of Jameson’s Wish.
"We've received donations from all over," said Shanabrough. "Florida, Hawaii, California and Texas. So it's really reached a wide array of people and it's impacted a lot."
Over the years, Jameson has collected more than 12,000 toys!
If you'd like to grab a toy or make a donation to Jameson's Wish, head here.