Topeka toys to Iraq has kids helping kids
9:39 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Topeka — A request from a Topeka soldier serving in Iraq has resulted in an overwhelming response from Topeka kids.
Amy Cantrell of Topeka is a proud Army Mom. Her son, 28-year old Captain Nicholas Cantrell deployed with his unit to Iraq about two months ago.
"His unit went over there to help with Sadr City and the terrorism that was going on at the time," said Cantrell. "And when things settled down and they got things under control, he wrote us and said they give Hot Wheels to the kids, while they give micro-grants out to the shopkeepers to help rebuild that part of the city."
Amy thought about trying to buy a bunch of the small toys to send, but then her neighbor came up with an idea.
"He lets teachers come and teach swimming lessons at his house for a couple weeks in the summer," she said "And he said I'll just put up a sign. You make a poster and I'll just put up a sign and we'll try and get some cars and the kids can bring Hot Wheels when they want to."
The toys came rolling in.
"So they brought handfuls every day and he just couldn't believe they came up with as many as they did."
And how many did they come up with?
"593," said Cantrell
So now, this Army Mom has a trunkful of toys, and is asking for help.
"Getting it to Nick so he can pass 'em out and they can take a handful and can pass 'em out as they patrol the city."
And that would complete the exchange that has made this proud army mom also proud of her neighborhood kids.
"It's just nice to see kids helping kids," she said. "And they don't even know the other kids"
If you'd like to help Cantrell with the process of shipping almost 600 toys to Iraq, call her at 273-9735.
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