MARTINSBURG, BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Nearly 10,000 children in the hospital had a happier Easter thanks to a local man and his army of volunteers. This year’s Easter for Eli event resulted in 9800 Easter baskets going to 41 children’s hospitals, in 17 states.

Martin Garret who’s from Martinsburg, started the effort, after losing his son to cancer, just before his fourth birthday.

“Just continuing to know how the families feel in the hospital and we’re able to brighten their day, their child’s day, a little bit of happiness to see your child happy for five; minute is worth everything,” he says.

Garret says Easter for Eli will continue to grow. Recently, the organization received a grant from the Ronald Mcdonald Foundation  that will provide more trailers to transport the baskets to children.