COVID-19 may have changed many lives, but it can’t hurt the human spirit or the desire to bring joy to children.

If there was ever a time to spread holiday cheer, it would be the year 2020. And the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh have once again answered the call. The Belmar chapter, with the help of the Belmar Police Department, dropped off a truck-load of toys on Friday for the children who must spend their holiday at the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital in Neptune.

At a time when donations are down because of the pandemic and more children are in the pediatrics department, the hospital staff says that they are beyond grateful for the donations.

"Our hope is to be able to give enough that we can give to the patients and maybe for a sibling or two at home so that way the parents don't have to worry about going shopping,” says child life specialist Morgan Olsen.

Every item can help, which is why News 12’s Eric Landskroner took Thunderbolt 12 to make a special delivery – dropping off all of the toys from News 12’s annual Hot Holiday Toy segment.

The hospital has an Amazon Wishlist for those who would like to donate to the cause.