Twins Reach Out To Help Other Children

By Nancy K. Crevier

Fifteen-year-old twins Tyler and Jason Sherwood, and their mother Heather Sherwood, are amazed that in just one month they have collected seven large boxes of toys, books, DVDs, and other items, most of them from a box they placed at Brookfield Lanes, where Tyler and Jason bowled on the fall and winter bowling league.

The activities will be donated to Yale Children’s Center at the Yale Children’s Hospital in New Haven, along with additional items that they hope to collect between now and the end of May.

The idea to start a collection was Tyler’s, said his mother, and with the help of parent aide Lisa May, who works with the family, he and his brother were able to implement the program this spring.

Tyler was born with multiple health issues, Ms Sherwood said, and has had many outpatient procedures at Yale Children’s Hospital over the years. Jason often accompanies Tyler for support. “He looks out for Tyler. They are very close,” said Ms Sherwood.

“My doctors are at Yale Children’s,” said Tyler, “and when I see children there who can’t go home, I think that if I can do something for them, their lives will be better. If I give back to kids, they will have an okay time in the hospital and not miss their toys and games from home so much. [Having books and games] will keep their minds busy.”

Boxes are located at Newtown Parks and Recreation office on South Main Street, at Newtown Middle School, and at Stop & Shop in Sand Hill Plaza. Tyler and Jason are hopeful that residents will generously donate new or gently used books, DVDs, Playstation 2 games, PSP games, coloring books, crayons and markers, puzzles, games, puzzle books, and stickers that are appropriate for children ages toddler through teen years.

Both of the boys sort through the donated items to make sure that all of the game parts and puzzle pieces are there, said Ms Sherwood, and to see that books and movies are not too scary or sad for children confined to a hospital.

“We opened up a couple of DVD cases and they were empty,” said Jason, and he has vetoed some of the movies and books because he thought they would not be comforting to sick children. “He is really watchful and sensitive to those sorts of things,” said Ms Sherwood.

“Coloring books and markers are really good,” said Tyler, as are simple paint by number watercolors and Sudoku and word puzzle books. They are not actively seeking stuffed animals, but if they are donated, they suggest that those toys be new.

“I haven’t had to stay overnight, but I see the rooms, and the kids there, and I want to make the stay better,” Tyler said.

Tyler and Jason and their mother plan to collect and sort the last donations by the end of May and then deliver everything to Yale Children’s Center. “We are already so impressed with how much has been given,” said Ms Sherwood.