Teacher’s Happy Meal Toy Auctions Help Child with Disability

Nat Ellis -  a teacher of advertising, marketing and social-media at Klamath Union High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon - had spent years and years building his collection of Happy Meal Toys. His initial plan was to sell these toys come his retirement but instead, found himself auctioning them off to help a 4 year-old boy suffering from a physical disability.

Logan Roninger was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic disease that affects the muscle strength and movement. Unlike most babies, he didn’t learn how to walk, crawl or sit-up on his own. This disease prevents him from exploring and engaging in activities most kids his age would.

His parents are hoping to replace the boy’s wheelchair with a more advanced model that would allow Logan to explore terrain that the standard wheelchair he uses cannot. However, it is very costly and their insurance wouldn’t cover the expense.

Logan’s parents are wildlife and fishery biologists so they usually spend a lot of time outdoors and enjoy hunting, fishing and camping. His mother adds, “We make those things happen with Logan, but it's hard. You can only get so far in the woods, or you put him in a backpack."

When Ellis learned about the young boy’s predicament, he placed his 1,139-piece collection up  for bidding on eBay to help raise funds for a new wheelchair. The initial auction that ended last Tuesday acquired a top bid of $103.5, but the bidder insisted to re-auction it in an effort raise more money for Logan. The new auction is set to end in June 16.

Together with another fundraising effort called YouCaring set up by Logan’s parents, they have reached their goal of $11,000 but is still raising more to be able to buy him a tank chair.

His parents are overwhelmed and thrilled by the support that people are giving she says, “It's going to open up more opportunities to him, just a 4-year-old, independent boy," she added. "His personality is going to go crazy. ... I hope people see this story and realize one act of kindness can change someone's life."