Kind LI teen inspires classmates to donate toys to kids with cancer

This gesture is anything but child’s play.

A Long Island high schooler is going above and beyond by donating hundreds of toys to pediatric cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan.

Eliza Liebowitz has been bringing a “Courage Cart” filled with specially requested action figures, dolls, games, and art supplies to the medical center — after being inspired to help ailing youth by a friend’s time being treated at the renown hospital.

“This is the number one thing I prioritize in my life,” said the 16-year-old Roslyn High School student.

Her initiative became so adored that the Nassau County-based charity Go With Courage partnered with the eager high schooler. Most of the donations have come from outreach Liebowitz did to her neighbors on Long Island.

“It’s so amazing to see this kind of support come from my community,” she said. “Especially for it to go somewhere that is so needed.”

Liebowitz, her mother, Donna, or another volunteer will drop off the many toys streetside to nurses using a large, blue cart. Liebowitz said she wished she could walk them up herself, but strict rules apply when visiting the pediatric floor.

“I would love to see their faces, but the nurses always say how grateful the kids are,” she said. “One jumped up once and said, ‘This is exactly [a toy] one of the kids wanted.'”

Giving back has always been a focus for the generous teenager. Since age five, she has been doing charity work and organizing blood and food drives, among other relief efforts for disaster victims.

Liebowitz’s motive has always been to do the right thing simply.

This endeavor, however, is much more personal after she saw her friend Aidan battle acute myeloid leukemia for half a year in the cancer center.

“I tried to relate it to myself and think about how I would have felt in his shoes,” she said.

“Even though it can seem so isolating in a hospital, there are so many people who can come together and try to brighten your day, give you the support you need, or even just a toy you want.”

During treatment, Aidan quickly realized he could pay it forward for the younger patients on his floor, too.

He became a liaison to Liebowitz and would let her know exactly what other kids wanted to play with.

The list included Legos, board games, Ninja Turtles toys and Madlibs. Older pediatric patients could enjoy more age-appropriate gifts, such as video game consoles.

The philanthropic teen soon learned what an impact she had.

Aidan’s mother, Randi, who asked the family name not be used, said kids being able to hold onto Barbie dolls and action figures are instrumental.

“It really helps them to feel strong,” Randi told The Post. “If they could forget why they are there, even for just a few minutes, that’s very helpful.”

Liebowitz estimates that she has brought around 300 toys to Memorial Sloan Kettering.

“My heart is full,” Donna Liebowitz, 55. “I hope this is something Eliza passes down for generations.”

Inspiring others

Aidan received the fantastic news that his cancer went into remission months ago and Randi said he is happily enjoying college life now. Since that time, Liebowitz has rolled along with her “Courage Cart.”

This month, things are taking a new and meaningful turn with new recruits.

Liebowitz’s longtime efforts reached the heart of another classmate, Nathaniel Rubin. He took up a collection and will send over 100 toys to Memorial Sloan Kettering in the coming days.

“It’s very important for me to bring a smile to a child’s face this holiday season, especially ones in those circumstances,” Rubin, 17, told The Post. “I’ve been collecting toys all year to do this.”

Liebowitz mentioned that another teen in Roslyn is also looking into creating a drive.

She also said this is just the beginning of “Courage Cart.” The enthusiastic high school junior looks to work with more cancer charities and will launch other missions in Spring 2025.

For now, though, she’s taking in the meaningful change already accomplished.

“Knowing that other people are getting inspired by what I started, I hope we can keep this going forever,” Liebowitz said.

Those looking to donate can contact Go With Courage or message Liebowitz’s philanthropic Instagram page, @CleanYourClosetsOutForChildren.