For second year, Lake Tapps boy with leukemia invites toy donations for Mary Bridge Children's Hospital

For second year, Lake Tapps boy with leukemia invites toy donations for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital

When Caleb Thorsteinson was diagnosed with leukemia at age 1, family friends rallied to raise money to pay what insurance could not. Myriad fundraisers, including a goldfish race at Captain Jack's bar in Sumner, were organized. A stair climb—Climbing for Caleb—at the Bank of America building brought in 300 participants and raised $10,000.

When Caleb Thorsteinson was diagnosed with leukemia at age 1, family friends rallied to raise money to pay what insurance could not. Myriad fundraisers, including a goldfish race at Captain Jack’s bar in Sumner, were organized. A stair climb—Climbing for Caleb—at the Bank of America building brought in 300 participants and raised $10,000.

Last year, Thorsteinson, now 4 years old, decided he wanted to collect toys for other kids hospitalized at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. “A truckload” of toys were collected at Captain Jack’s, Tacoma Cascade Christian School, JMI Exteriors in Puyallup and the hospital itself, family friend Lori Longthorne said.

“This year Caleb said one truckload isn’t enough,” she said.

Another toy drive will be held Dec. 13 at Captain Jack’s. Longthorne is placing a box in the bar this Friday for anyone who would like to drop off a donation before the drive.

“The owners (Lee and Penny Hogenson) are wonderful people who give back to the community,” Longthorne said.

A drive will also be held at Hector’s Restaurant in Kirkland, Dec. 6.

Captain Jack’s is located at 13501 Valley Ave. E.