Kristen RemingtonChannel 2 News
With stacks of toys and a grin on her face, it looks like Christmas at Ashlee Smith's house. She sits in the middle of her living room surrounded by hundreds of toys. She does not intend to keep a single one, however.
The 12-year-old is the founder of Ashlee's Toy Closet, which she started in 2008 after a couple of disasters rocked northern Nevada – the Angora Fire and the Fernley Flood. She collects new toys and delivers them to the young victims of such tragedies.
While her efforts have not stopped in nearly four years, she has renewed reason to collect even more toys – the Caughlin Fire.
This disaster hits close to home.
"I lost my house in 2005. Mainly to smoke damage, my toys had to go." While she says she is grateful her family made it out safely, it was devastating to see her charred toys among piles of ash. It did not take long, however, for Ashlee to turn that pain into a purpose and that is how Ashlee's Toy Closet came to life. She estimates she has gathered and collected upwards of 175,000 toys.
She applies for grants, solicits help from large businesses and the community. She hosts toy drives year round. She has even received special deliveries from dignitaries, like Governor Brian Sandoval who stopped by this week. "I don't know a lot of kids who can say they've met the Governor. It was really cool," she said proudly.
While the recognition feels good, Ashlee says the true reward is being able to replace a young child's sadness with a smile. "I remember how I felt and I don't think I could ever stop because you'd disappoint the kids and it's really rewarding to see the smiles on their faces."
To learn more about her efforts, make a donation or receive help, log onto www.ashleestoycloset.org or search Ashlee's Toy Closet on Facebook.
