WAUWATOSA, Wis. — For many families, the holidays are a time for togetherness. But for those facing health challenges, spending Christmas at home may not be possible.

This year, the community is invited to help brighten the season for children and their families staying at the Ronald McDonald House and/or receiving treatment at Children’s Wisconsin.

What You Need To Know

  • Stella’s Toy Drive aims to collect 2,000 toys this year

  • Toy collection boxes can be found around Wauwatosa and beyond 

  • The last day to donate is Sunday, Dec. 15

The inspiration comes from Tracy Broekman and her late daughter, Stella. Stella was born six weeks early with some health complications in 2017. She spent her six months of life at Children’s Hospital. Broekman recalls holding onto hope, dreaming of the day Stella could come home.

“She was growing. We were planning on having her live with us,” Broekman shared. “One day, she picked up a virus, and her small body couldn’t handle it.”

Today, Stella would be 8 years old. Broekman’s employer, the Lowlands Group, proposed honoring Stella by starting a toy drive.

Now in its second year, Stella’s Toy Drive, aims to collect 2,000 toys this holiday season for children facing health challenges.

“For me, what this toy drive does is keep her alive,” said Broekman. “For them to have that tiny moment of normalcy — because in the NICU world and hospital world, you just grab onto those tiny moments.”

Collection boxes have been placed at all Lowlands Group restaurants, including Buckatabon Tavern and Supper Club. Marcus Green, the general manager, said he is proud to support the effort.

“It’s definitely exciting for our guests and other people to be able to stop by and contribute in whatever way they feel comfortable,” said Green.

For those unsure of what to donate, Broekman has a simple suggestion.

“I always tell people to pick a toy that Stella would like,” she said.

Though Broekman misses her daughter every day, she said Stella’s Toy Drive brings her peace, knowing it helps bring joy to other children going through difficult times.

“It means so much to know these kids are getting a little bit of happiness in her honor,” said Broekman.

This year, a variety of businesses in Wauwatosa also have collection boxes for Stella’s Toy Drive. You can find more information, here.  

See the full list of where to donate a toy in honor of Stella below:

  • BB’s on North
  • Be Spectacled
  • BelAir Cantina
  • Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club
  • Café Benelux
  • Café Hollander – Brookfield
  • Café Hollander – Downer Ave
  • Café Hollander – Mequon
  • Café Hollander – Wauwatosa
  • Camp Bar Tosa
  • Centraal Grand Café & Tappery
  • Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen
  • Cranky Al’s
  • Donges Bay Elementary
  • Drunken Cobra
  • Gigi’s Play House – Fox Point
  • Growler’s East Tosa
  • Honeycomb Salon – Whitefish Bay
  • Leff’s Lucky Town
  • Saz’s State House
  • Shop Privy
  • The Flannel Fox
  • The Village Cheese Shop
  • THREE SIXTY
  • Vendetta Coffee Bar

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