What began three years ago as one student’s response to a powerful first-day experience of her core rotation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Rapides Regional Medical Center has grown into a meaningful, student-led tradition.
The annual toy donation effort—started by Ahmira Manalac, DO, a Class of 2025 graduate who matched into pediatrics at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri—continues to bring comfort and joy to children receiving care in the PICU. Initially created as an “art cart” overflowing with art supplies, it was later expanded to include toys.
How the Toy Drive Began
During her first day on her pediatric rotation, Ahmira encountered the emotional realities of caring for critically ill children. The experience left a deep impression on her. Witnessing her preceptor, Marvin Mata, MD, purchase toys with his own money to brighten a child’s hospital stay, she felt called to help. Moved by Dr. Mata’s example, Ahmira created a donation cart to support his ongoing acts of kindness and ensure that every child receiving care had something to lift their spirits during difficult moments in the PICU.
Ahmira reminisced, “On my first day in the PICU, I saw how heavy the hospital could feel for a child. The art cart became a way to give kids an avenue for creativity—something that let them be kids first, not patients—and a momentary distraction from being sick. I’m especially glad it’s grown to include toys as well, reaching even more children in ways that meet them where they are. Knowing it continues today, carried forward by VCOM-Louisiana students after me, reminds me that compassion and creativity can keep healing long after we’ve moved on.”
A Tradition Passed from Class to Class
Ahmira’s initiative quickly expanded beyond her rotation. Inspired by her compassion and leadership, Class of 2026 students Hanah Cavazos and Tatiana Villalobos continued the project during their own core rotations at Rapides Regional.
Hanah shared, “During my rotation, I saw how small moments of joy can make a big difference in such a high-stress environment. Continuing the toy drive felt like a tangible way to bring comfort and normalcy to children and families during an incredibly difficult time, and seeing their smiles reminded me why human connection matters just as much as medical care.”
Now in its third year, the toy drive has become a cherished part of VCOM-Louisiana’s presence at the site. Clinical Site Coordinator Lorinda Shidiskis has seen its impact firsthand — not just on the children, but also on the student physicians. She said, “Watching students give their time and energy to brighten the children’s stay in the PICU fills me with pride and gratitude. It tells me that the future of health care is in good hands — hands that not only heal but also give, uplift, and care deeply for others.”
In fact, Shidiskis helped inspire this year’s drive. When she told Class of 2027 student Benjamin Kaplan that Dr. Mata had been restocking the toy cart out of his own pocket, Kaplan knew he wanted to help. “I reached out to Jordan with the Student Government Association, and he immediately helped get the ball rolling,” Kaplan said. “The success of this year’s on-campus toy drive is a direct reflection of his leadership and willingness to take on something extra amid the inherent craziness of second year.”
Campus Support Amplifies the Impact
This year’s toy drive saw an outpouring of generosity from across the VCOM-Louisiana community. SGA Vice President Jordan Bendavid played a key role in promoting the toy collection and encouraging student participation. He has his sights set on a rotation at Rapides Regional next year, inspired by the compassion he has witnessed.
“It was important for SGA to lead the toy drive on campus this year because, as student leaders, we need to set the example for service and community engagement,” Bendavid said. “Partnering with Rapides Regional and the VCOM students currently rotating there allowed us to demonstrate that our commitment to compassion extends beyond the classroom and into the community we will one day serve.”
This year, Kaplan and fellow Class of 2027 student Samantha Wilfur delivered toys collected by their classmates. The collection was large enough to surprise Dr. Mata and ensure that many children experience moments of joy throughout the year.
During his pediatrics rotation, Kaplan reflected on the significance of sharing the toys during what are known as toy rounds. “Those moments quickly became the highlight of each day, giving us a chance to connect not only with the patients but also with their parents and siblings,” he said. “I was struck by how often the parents seemed even more anxious. The smiles brought by the toy cart were sometimes more therapeutic for the parents than for the children themselves.”
“A toy is a powerful tool not only for enjoyment but also for learning and skill (emotional, social, and motor) development,” Dr. Mata noted. “It helps children express and understand their feelings to the people around them through interactions, especially those who cannot speak. It is also an effective distracting activity to reduce anxiety and stress. As a provider, I love the bond and emotional connection it creates. Their smile after getting one is priceless!”
What started with one student’s instinct to help has become a sustained tradition of compassion—one that reinforces VCOM’s mission of service and reflects the heart of every student who has taken part.
