9-year-old LI boy collects toys for children in need of cheer

<p>Most 9-year-olds make lists of the toys they want for Christmas, but Rosario Cascio doesn't want anything for himself.</p>

News 12 Staff

Dec 10, 2017, 10:49 PM

Updated 2,328 days ago

Share:

A Dix Hills boy is spreading the holiday spirit this year by giving back to other children.
Most 9-year-olds make lists of the toys they want for Christmas, but Rosario Cascio doesn't want anything for himself. Playing in his basement one day, he realized how lucky he was to have so many toys -- and then he thought about the kids who didn't have any.
That's when the idea for Rosario's Giving Tree was born. All he wants this Christmas is for toys to make it to the hands other children -- especially those who are sick.
When Rosario told his mother Lilliana he wanted to donate toys to children who are in hospitals, she was taken aback.
Lilliana Cascio says her son said to her, "Mom, you know how sad it must be sometimes for kids who are sick in the hospital, and they can't wake up in their own bed in the morning and come down and see gifts from Santa?"
"I stopped because I got the goosebumps," she says, recalling her son's words.
Lilliana Cascio took to Facebook and started spreading the word to donate toys. Their living room is now filled with more than 100 toys donated by family, friends and even strangers.
Rosario says he can't wait to deliver the gifts to the kids at Winthrop Hospital and South Nassau Communities Hospital later this month. He adds that he prays for the children every night.
The Cascios say that if they get even more toys donated, they'd like to add another hospital -- possibly Cohen's Children's Hospital.
If you would like to donate a toy, email the family at Rosariosgivingtree@gmail.com and they will arrange a pick up time and date. And you can also make a donation to the effort at GoFundMe.com.


More from News 12
1:56
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:46
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx