ANN ARBOR, MI -- A charitable collection drive among local union members for hospital stocking stuffers 20 years ago has grown into a $10,000 donation of gift cards for pediatric patients this Christmas.

The IBEW 252 and NECA Michigan Chapter, South Central Division gathered $10,100 in Meijer gift cards for delivery to patients at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the union announced in a news release.

The electrical workers union says its members have raised $107,500 since starting the charity for Mott kids in 2000. This year, members purchased 404 gift cards, valued at $25 each, for Mott staff to deliver to patients on Christmas Eve, according to the news release.

While working on a project at Mott Hospital, IBEW electrician Vicky Loy started the charity after realizing children couldn’t go home for the holidays due to financial strains, according to a news release. That led union members, with help from workers of other trades, to pitch in.

“It started out as a little idea for stocking stuffers in 2000, and it turned into $10,100 this year and $107,500 in 19 years,” Loy said in the release. “Times are tough for these families and, for many of the kids, these cards are the only gifts they get. I’m just glad we can help give them a Christmas, too.”

Many patients spend several weeks in the hospital and are forced to be away from home during the holidays, said Lindsay K. Heering, administrative director of Mott Child & Family Life Department.

“We are incredibly grateful for IBEW 252 and NECA’s generous donation of gift cards for every patient in our care,” Heering said. “Gift cards give choices for our children and teens, who really lose their sense of control when they are in the hospital.”