Community helps gather enough toys to help hundreds of local families after leak destroys donations

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh community came together to help a local medical center support families this holiday season after they had to start from scratch.

A UPMC facility in Pittsburgh’s Hill District saw itself overwhelmed after a roof leak destroyed their toy donations late last month.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> UPMC facility in Pittsburgh’s Hill District loses dozens of toy drive donations due to leak

The staff of UPMC Matilda H. Theiss Health Center was collecting toys, hats, coats and gloves for children of all ages.

When those items were destroyed, they called for help from the public. Now, they are saying the community gave more than they could have imagined.

Officials said so many toys were donated that the drive had to be moved from the health center to the nearby Thelma Lovette YMCA.

“We try to be there, we try to listen, we try to hear what the need is, and where can, we try to meet it,” said Dr. Jonathan Yadlosky, medical director of the Matilda H. Theiss Health Center.

The drive was big enough to help 500 families.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW