SIOUX FALLS, SD (KSFY/CNN) - Four years, ago, Nolan Adams and his family were driving to Sioux City to visit his grandma when a radio ad came on for Sanford Children’s Hospital.
“So I asked my mom and dad, ‘How many gifts do the kids in the Children’s Hospital get?’ and they’re like, ‘Not really as much as you. Fewer than you,’” 11-year-old Nolan said.
So Nolan decided to take action, with a little help from his parents.
“He wanted to get a couple presents for the kids staying here in the hospital so they could have some presents for Christmas, so we went and grabbed some at a store here in town,” said Nolan’s dad, Jason Adams.
That year, Nolan picked out a toy truck and a stuffed frog, and he and his dad dropped the toys off at the hospital. It started small, but Nolan’s project has taken off since then.
“The next year, I think we had 50 presents or so, and last year we had 75,” Nolan's dad said.
But this year, there were "176 gifts that we brought in today,” Nolan said, adding that kids at the hospital should not have to think about the battles they’re facing this time of year.
“I want them to forget about what’s gonna happen next and I just want them to forget about all that and live a normal, happy life.”
Nolan said the Christmas season is a time to do something special for others.
“It’s really heartwarming and it makes me feel good about myself, and me and my grandma say, ‘It’s better to give than to receive,’” he said.
His parents stand behind him all the way, said his mom, Trish Adams.
“He says he wants to do it forever, so as long as we’re alive, we’ll help him,” she said.
During his visit, Nolan was able to hand out presents to two children who are spending the holiday in the hospital, as well as one of their siblings.
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