Broken Arrow residents are celebrating a remarkable act of generosity by a local child who has turned his own medical challenges into a community‑wide gift. According to News on 6, 9‑year‑old Elliot Johnston, born with congenital heart disease, has donated nearly 35,000 toys to the Oklahoma Children’s OU Health hospital that treated him.

Elliot has undergone about eight heart surgeries and spent more than a year of combined days in the hospital. During that time, he and his mother organized the “Hearts for Elliot” toy drive, encouraging friends, family and neighbors to contribute toys for other children receiving care.

The donations feed the hospital’s “Toy Cart” program, which lets each patient choose a toy to keep while undergoing procedures, providing comfort and a sense of normalcy during a stressful time. The family reported that by 2026 they had contributed 5,867 toys since Elliot’s first birthday, bringing the overall total to nearly 35,000.

Although this year’s drive was delayed because of Elliot’s health, he refused to cancel the effort, underscoring his commitment to helping other kids. Looking ahead, Elliot has set an ambitious goal for his 10th birthday: to collect 10,000 toys in a single year.

Community members can stay informed about upcoming drives and follow Elliot’s progress on the Hearts for Elliot Facebook page. The story highlights how a young resident’s perseverance and the support of Broken Arrow families are making a tangible difference for children across the region.

What’s next: The family plans to launch another toy‑collection campaign in the months leading up to Elliot’s 10th birthday, aiming to reach the 10,000‑toy target. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys and share the initiative with local schools, churches and businesses.

Sources: newson6.com, newson6.com