Perryville girls raise donations for children in need

PERRYVILLE, Mo., (KBSI)- Kali Ernst and her little sister, Kayda have been donating toys for children in hospitals recovering from illnesses since Kali was a young child.

Kali says when she was little, she too needed cheering up after undergoing surgery from her hip dysplasia.

She says, “I was like really scared, and then I got a babydoll, and it was my first smile post-surgery, and I just decided I wanted to do it after that.”

That same babydoll is being loved on today.

Kali and Kayda’s mother, Alissa Ernst, went to social media to post about the girls and all they’ve been able to do, thanking the community for their support.

“Six years now? Yup six years, we started off with Cardinal Glennon and we’ve donated to Cardinal Glennon, Children’s, and Mercy Perry.” Says, Ernst.

The girls receive tons of gifts in donations every year, especially around Christmas time.

As for the future, Kali says she and her sister are in for the long haul.

“We want to do it for like, forever probably, and we usually are able to raise around $2,000 a year.”

The Ernst family says they are grateful for all the support and kindness everyone has shown their family and helping the girls raise donations.