Toy Drive Kicks Off One Year After Toddler Killed At Zoo

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It was one year ago today that 2-year-old Maddox Derkosh was killed, after falling into the African painted dogs exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

But his parents say it's only fitting that today is the kickoff for the holiday toy truck drive for the charity that's been created in his honor.

Donation boxes for "Trucks for Maddox" are at fire stations, banks, churches and businesses throughout our area.

Maddox was a little boy who loved playing with his toy trucks.

"They just said he was just in love with trucks," said Greg Dearolf of Atria's. "That's one of the main things that he liked to do -- he liked to play with trucks all the time."

After his death, his family requested that instead of flowers, that everyone bring a toy construction truck to be donated to kids at Christmas.

They were overwhelmed by the response and decided to create the charity.

More than 5,000 toy trucks were given to kids last year, and the family hopes to multiply that number every year.

"I know the family, they come in here, they've been regular guests here frequently," Dearolf said.

The family released a statement that says in part: "Maddox was thoughtful of others beyond his tender years and would be so happy to know that the Trucks for Maddox holiday toy-truck drive to benefit Christmas charities is not only continuing but also expanding."

For a list of the donation boxes: http://www.trucksformaddox.org/

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