For the past decade, a local nonprofit has been bringing holiday cheer to children who find themselves spending the season in the hospital. On Saturday, hundreds gathered for the 10th annual March for Miracles, an event organized by the Helping Hands Initiative.
More than 700 volunteers, including active-duty military members and community supporters, participated in a 4.5-mile walk through the city, each carrying toys destined for children receiving care at Magnolia Children’s Medical Center, the state’s only dedicated children’s hospital.
“Many of these young patients are unable to go home for the holidays, so we try to bring a bit of the holiday spirit to them and their families,” explained Helping Hands Initiative President and Co-Founder, Marcus Gray. “We deliver toys, gift cards, and other items to offer support and brighten the season for these families.”
For parents like Angela Reynolds and her daughter, Maya, who have experienced spending Christmas in the hospital, the event offers a special sense of joy. “To see the community come together for our children is truly touching. It makes this time of year so much more meaningful for families like ours,” Reynolds shared.
Helping Hands Initiative, which also provides emergency assistance to veterans in need, aims to connect with families who understand the challenges of being away from home during the holidays. For Vietnam veteran Samuel Brooks, whose grandson has faced long hospital stays, the impact is personal. “After everything these kids go through—tests, treatments, surgeries—receiving these gifts brings a smile to their faces and helps them focus on something positive,” Brooks said.
This year, the event collected more than $200,000 worth of toys and gifts. Organizers say they are already planning for an even larger event next year, hoping to spread holiday joy to even more children and families in need.
