Storm guard Alysha Clark, a talented basketball player who was drafted in 2010, makes some of her biggest contributions off of the court. Through annual toy drives, Clark has donated over 10,000 toys to Seattle’s Children’s Hospital, including over 2,000 this year.
According to the Associated Press, Clark wanted to donate more than toys this year. After speaking with a young patient named Daniel at the children’s hospital who also wanted to help his sick peers, she decided to raise money.
Her goal was $5,000 for the dialysis unit – it took only four days to raise that and more. As of Tuesday afternoon, she has helped raise $6,175 from 84 people in just six days.
According to the donation website, people who donate will be entered to win a private dinner for two people with Clark, other Seattle Storm players and team owners at the owner’s home with a meal prepared by a local chef.
“To me, its mind blowing and so amazing. All because of Daniel. He’s been such an inspiration to me,” Clark told AP News. “Getting involved, giving back and doing more for others. The way he thinks about things inspired me to do more… [The hospital] can use it for however they need. Now they are talking about some other things. Whether it’s educational videos or blankets or whatever makes these kids feel more comfortable, they’ll get.”
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Clark is also sure to bring her teammates along. This year, she and Jewell Loyd delivered toys to the hospital in a giant truck.
Clark has been a philanthropist and volunteer since for a while. She spends time on the cancer floor of the city’s hospital as well as in the dialysis unit. Despite the emotional difficulties she struggles with in the face of so much suffering, she also finds inspiration.
“In the beginning, it was really hard. You don’t want to see anyone sick in the hospital, let alone a child. They are still finding their way in the world, and now they have to deal with real adult life issues. In the beginning, it was taxing on me. As I got to know the different families and children. The more I went, their resiliency and attitude was incredible. That to me was an inspiration. All you’re going through and you’re still finding a way to think of someone else.”
