Boy delivers 2,000+ toys to Riley Hospital

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Sometimes a toy is all it takes to bring a smile to a child’s face, and for one 10-year-old from Bloomfield, giving away toys to fellow Riley Hospital patients brings even greater joy.

On Monday morning, BJ Yoho, 10, delivered more than 2,000 new toys to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. This is the third year he has united teachers, businesses and church groups around his hometown of Bloomfield to deliver toys to the hospital.

"Right now, we have 2,006 [toys] — not counting all these here,” Yoho says as he points to a giant Christmas tree in hospital lobby. ”I'm gonna count these all later once I find out how much are here."

In 2011, Yoho delivered 638 toys. He set a goal of 1,000 toys for 2012, which he started working toward in August of this year. Yoho has already set his goals for 2013 and 2014, too.

“In 2013, the goal is 4,000. And in 2014, my goal is one million [toys].”

BJ Yoho was born with spina bifida. He received his first surgery at Riley Hospital less than 24 hours after he was born. Since then, BJ has overcome 16 additional surgeries and the amputation of his right leg.

"Despite his challenges, BJ never loses his permanent smile and desire to serve others," his mother, Blaine Yoho, is quoted as saying in a hospital press release.

Riley Children's Foundation selected BJ as the 2012 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion for Indiana. As the Riley Hospital representative, he united with Champions from each state and traveled to Washington, D.C., and Walt Disney World.

Yoho is quoted in the hospital’s Winter 2013 magazine Riley Messenger as saying, “I liked Washington, D.C., more than Walt Disney World. Meeting President Obama – he is my favorite president; actually, he is my number one president. He was nice. He talked and gave high-fives to everyone.”