The LaRussa family of Cheektowaga sold toys at the Super Flea in an effort to raise money for Women and Children’s Hospital. Pictured from left are Rachel, 6, Christina, 11, and Christopher, 9. Christina, Christopher and Rachel LaRussa wanted to make a difference in the lives of sick children.

So they did something not many children would do. They packed up boxes of their own toys and donated them. And the West Seneca Developmental Center Children’s Psychiatric Center was happy to oblige.

The LaRussas, of Cheektowaga, visited the center with a box filled with gently used toys and big smiles as they met some of the children in the center and handed over their toys. Each toy handed over to a bed-ridden child was accompanied by a simple wish of “I hope you like your present” and “I hope that you will feel better soon.”

Christina, 11, Christopher, 9, and Rachel, 6, left the center that day inspired to do more. So they packed up another box of toys and donated it to the St. Vincent de Paul Center in Buffalo, which helps underprivileged children.

Still looking to do more, the LaRussas formed a different plan after attending Jim Kelly’s football camp and hearing the story of Kelly’s son Hunter, who died of a rare brain disease. They decided to gather their toys and sell them to benefit sick children.

The LaRussas took two boxes of toys to the Super Flea in Cheektowaga and set up a table. This time, all the proceeds would be donated to Women and Children’s Hospital.

The siblings collected $59.50 in sales and donations and got a matching donation from their parents, Mark and Margie LaRussa.

“These acts were selfless, and their actions spoke loud and clear to everyone who crossed their paths,” Margie LaRussa said.