TAMPA, Fla. — Most kids right now are putting together their wishlists for Santa, but one 10-year old boy is putting together a much bigger list so he can help other kids have a Merry Christmas.

Bentley Rogers is hosting a toy drive for the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Bentley has cerebral palsy and has been going to the hospital for years receiving treatments. His mom says it’s thanks to them, and Bentley’s positive attitude and motivation, that he’s defeating the odds.

“Shriners has changed our lives.  They've given us hope, they've taught us if there's a will, there's a way. Doctors, when they diagnosed him with CP, they told us he was never going to walk, he would never be independent, he would never talk, he would never be able to do anything on his own.  We found Shriners two years ago at the USF Bulls Dance Marathon and Bentley walked across the stage.  We wouldn't have been able to do that without Shriners,” said Linda Rogers.

This Christmas, Bentley wanted to help the kids at the hospital feel better. This is his second year hosting a toy drive. The first was in 2019. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to do one last year because of the pandemic.

“I just want to help kids feel special and stuff,” said Bentley.

The toy drive will run through the next few weeks. Bare Knuckle Fights even offered to help. Bentley is a huge fan, and at the next fight in Tampa at the Hard Rock Casino on December 9, BKFC will collect toys at the weigh-ins.

Bentley says if you’re even considering making a toy donation, “Do it!  I would be happy to donate more!”