Family holds toy drive to honor toddler killed one year ago

GASTONIA, NC (WBTV) - The wonder and anticipation of Christmas morning are now only memories for Riley Ann Bradley's family. Last year, just four days after Christmas, the toddler died after she was hit by a car.

Wednesday, WBTV spoke with her aunts Page Bumgardner and Dana Griffin, and her uncle Richard Griffin.

"She was always smiling and dancing and just everything about her, she just lit the room up," Dana Griffin said.

The family admits it's been an uphill battle getting over the day they remember too vividly.

"My dad called, and I couldn't even understand what he was saying. I didn't even know who he was and then he let me know that Riley had been run over and that's how I found out," Dana said.

Gastonia police said the 1-year-old wandered out of the house and was hit by a car driven by Donna Hayes. According to investigators, Hayes took off and was found hours later just down the street. She's still awaiting her court date.

"I know that she has to lay her head down every night with the accident, of what she did too... so she has to live with herself," Bumgardner said.

In the days that followed the accident, thousands reached out to the family offering their prayers for the little girl's recovery. They were hoping for a miracle, but Riley died at Levine Children's Hospital six days after she was hit.

"It wasn't meant to be. It was her time, so we had to accept that," Dana said.

But instead of the heartbreak, Riley's family chose to remember and honor the little girl with a Christmas Toy Drive.

"I was just laying in bed and it came to mind - why don't we have a toy drive for Riley?" Dana said.

In just a few days, they've been able to collect dozens of toys to donate to local kids in need . Some have come from complete strangers, while others are more personal. Dana picked out a doll to give to Riley last Christmas before she died, and now it will light up another little girl's face.

"She would love it. She is smiling down from heaven. She is our smiley Riley," she said.

The family's pain is still very real, but they say spreading Riley's joy is helping them heal.

"She was always smiling, and now she's going to make it possible for other kids to smile this Christmas," Dana said.

The family will be accepting new and unwrapped toys until December 21. Anyone who wants to contribute can take donations to Bradley-Griffin Insurance on Jackson Road in Gastonia.

Kate's Skating Rink is also holding "Riley Night" to benefit the toy drive on December 22.

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