A teen is donating hundreds of toys to help make kids feel a little more comfortable in the hospital. The teen continued her tradition of giving toys to children staying at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire on Friday and it's the most she's ever donated.

13-year-old Katie Rhoten started the tradition of giving toys after she was given a toy during a hospital stay back in 2008. She says after six donations in four years she's hoping to keep it growing.

As she pushes a cart full of toys through Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Katie Rhoten is reminded of when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes four years ago.

"It was kind of scary; ok it was really scary, with all of the shots and being away from home. When ever I got a poke I got a stuffed animal and I thought I should bring that back to Eau Claire," says Rhoten.

She says having a toy helped ease some of her anxiety. Since then, she's worked to help make hospital stays easier for other kids going though scary times.

"It really helps and it gives them a diversion. They always say, Nurse Lisa where's my surprise,” says Lisa Moelter, who is the Pediatric Nurse Coordinator at Mayo Health Clinic.

The hospital says kids love getting the toys and they're a big help. The family says it never thought the donations would get this big.

"We thought we would do something on some level but we had no idea we would be giving more than 600 toys and books and games. We never dreamed it would be that big and our goal is to make it bigger every year and so far we've been lucky enough to do just that," says Kristin Everett, Katie’s mother.

Everett says the whole family gets involved as well as kids from Robbins Elementary and South Middle School. She says they all help collect and donate the toys.

"It's amazing to see the generosity in the area we live in. It makes me proud and makes me happy that we can give back to others because so many have helped us during Katharine's journey," says Everett.

"It's a really good feeling knowing I'm helping the community and helping others. It feels good and I hope I can do it forever," says Rhoten.

Katie is splitting the donations this year with Mayo Health Clinic and Marshfield Clinic. She says she's hope to get even more donations next year.

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