Spotlight on Volunteers: Eric Hultgren

Toys For Children

Eric Hultgren, at 75, has become a national folk hero due to his passionate dedication to help the children at Bridgeport Hospital. He is still bemused by all the attention he has received. For Eric, making toys so that sick little children have a reason to smile is thanks enough. His is a story of love and hope, so its no wonder that his message has touched people around the world.

How It Began

Toys For Children began in 1990, when Eric's wife of 48 years, Shirley, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Shirley adored children, and as he health failed, she suggested that they make something nice for the children at Bridgeport Hospital. Eric had the talent for making toys, as he had been a master tool maker for over four decades. Together they made special toys like his favorite childhood toy--all wooden and sanded with the colors of the rainbow. So Eric sat by her side and began carving and sanding. Shirley provided the rainbow of colors. Trucks, cars, school buses, airplanes, fishing poles--all crafted with love. And every toy made was brought to Bridgeport Hospital and given away free to each child in the Pediatrics Department.

International Attention

Shirley passed away in July 1990, but Eric has honored her memory by making Toys For Children an internationally renowned project. He has been the subject of feature articles in newspapers and magazines around the world, including international recognition following his receipt of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, awarded to celebrate the outstanding achievements of many ethnic groups, in his case Swedish Americans. More international recognition followed. Since then there have been over 10,000 pieces of mail sent to him, some coming with contributions that Eric set aside for the Pediatrics Department.

Today

Despite all the attention, The Toyman has kept true to his mission--to make toys and to make children smile. He spends long days in his home workshop, but almost every week you can still find Eric making the rounds of the Pediatrics Unit. The fruits of his labors are everywhere. He is loved by all--and you feel how much he loves what he is doing. With each new child, Eric provides another toy, another smile, another message of love.

Won't you join The Toyman and make a donation to Bridgeport Hospital's Pediatric Department? You can e-mail us or donate now.