The KRGV Cares Closet program is expanding this year, adding a second location at Driscoll Children's Hospital alongside the original closet at South Texas Health System Children's Hospital.

Both facilities are in the Rio Grande Valley and are asking for donations to help fill them.

A 15-year-old girl from Starr County knows firsthand what it means to be a child in the hospital. Lauren Barrera had a seizure in 2024 and ended up in the emergency room at the Driscoll Children's Hospital in Edinburg.

That experience pushed her to act. On her own, she decided to collect teddy bears for children she had never met and delivered them just before Christmas.

"They're sick, and they feel alone. And they're there 24-7 just watching, seeing the walls, and they can't get out of their room because they're sick. They just want someone to be there and comfort them," Barrera said.

In less than 30 days, she collected more than 260 teddy bears.

Now she's joining the effort to ask Valley families to donate to the KRGV Cares Closets.

"I think it's a very great cause for you to donate," Barrera said.

The closets serve as a resource for Valley families and their children.

KRGV is spreading awareness of the importance of extended stays by children at our local children’s hospitals: South Texas Health System Children's Hospital and Driscoll Children's Hospital.

During all newscasts and Take 5, we will ask our viewers to donate to the KRGV Cares Closet campaign. All monetary donations collected will be used to purchase toys and other items the hospital needs to fill the closet.

Click here to donate.

Watch the video above for the full story.