10-year-old charity uses birthday money to buy toys, then delivers them to SIUH’s pediatric unit
STATEN ISLAND, NY – When 10-year-old Andria Dzagania saw “a bunch†of photos and videos of young people with childhood illnesses online, he began to think about what he could do to help make a difference. .
After brainstorming an idea, he approached his mother, Nano Zhgenti, and explained his intentions to her.
“I want to buy gifts for sick children with my birthday money and stop at the hospital to deliver them in person,” he told his mother.
So on Monday, after making a phone call to the hospital, Andria and her mother went to the Staten Island Teaching Hospital Cancer Center in Ocean Breeze to present toys to pediatric patients.
A Sweet Shop Cafe playset donated by Andria Dzagania to the children of the Pediatric Unit at Staten Island Teaching Hospital. (Courtesy / Staten Island University Hospital / Northwell) Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Advance
The shrewd youngster brought seven large, colorful bags filled with assorted toys for the kids.
And, of course, he bought the presents with his own money – money he got for his birthday on July 4th and other funds he had saved up – hoping the toys would put a smile on his face. the children.
The note Andria Dzagania wrote to pediatric patients at Staten Island Teaching Hospital. (Courtesy / Staten Island University Hospital / Northwell) Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Advance
He also attached a nice note to share with patients:
Dear children!
Hope you will like my gifts. I wish you the best. Recover quickly. I want you all to be happy.
Love, Andria
“It’s something very, very special. It truly makes you a hero, someone who puts others above their own needs – absolutely amazing, â€Dr Eleny Romanos-Sirakis, Director of Pediatric Hematology / Oncology, told Andria.
A ukulele bought by Andria Dzagania which he gave to the children of the pediatric unit at Staten Island University Hospital. (Courtesy / Staten Island University Hospital / Northwell) Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Advance
The thoughtful youngster, who emigrated from the country of Georgia with his mother about six years ago, is a fifth-grade student at PS 38 in his home community of Midland Beach.
In total, the 10-year-old spent $ 300 on the toys, which he bought at Five Below, and even included lightly used toys from his own collection.
“After seeing a bunch of pictures and videos of the children in the hospital, I was sad. And when it was my birthday, I knew I wanted to save some money to buy gifts for these children. and I told my mom that I wanted to donate it, â€he said.
From left to right, Andria Dzagania, staff member of Staten Island University Hospital, Christine Tierney and Andria’s mother, Nano Zhgenti. (Courtesy / Staten Island University Hospital / Northwell) Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Advance
“We got the toys back, then we went home to put them in bags, then we called the hospital who told us to drop them off,†he added.
The toys were accepted by Christine Tierney and Dr Eleny Romanos-Sirakis, who noted, “All Andria kept saying is that he wanted to make these children happy and that they wanted to achieve. their dreams.
One of the toy packages donated by young Andria Dzagania. (Courtesy / Staten Island University Hospital / Northwell) Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Advance
When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, Andria didn’t hesitate.
“An NBA player,†he said with a smile.