Local girl delivers toys to children in need

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A 7-year-old girl who took the lead in a nationwide toy drive last year is making sure this holiday season is twice as nice.

While many children this year are busy making their Christmas lists to Santa, one little girl has a different idea. "Really happy and suprised and I love it," said Ava Skylar.

Ava, also known as "Ava Claus," is delivering toys and cheer this holiday season.

Ava is doing a toy drive campaign to collect hundreds of toys for children in need. A success for the second year in a row.

With the help of the community, Ava has been able to give gifts to sick children at Jackson Memorial Hospital as well as to students at Dillard Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale, who are very much in need. "Last year, I think I had 100, this year I think I have over 300," said Ava.

"We have some students from foster homes makes me feel really good," said Dillard Elementary Principal Angela Brown.

Ava said she could not have done it without her team, "Elf" helpers and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus.

"The students are excited. The staff is excited and we just wanna say Merry Christmas to everyone," said Brown.

A little girl, with a very big heart, Ava knows the true meaning of the season is to give. "I wanna thank a lot of people for helping," said Ava.

Ava will be delivering more toys to the children at a local hospital.

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