9-Year-Old Boy Donates Toys To Stoneham Fire To Help Other Kids

STONEHAM, MA — A local boy donated about 40 plush dog toys to be distributed by firefighters to children in the area who have suffered from trauma.

Darius Noonan, 9, of Wakefield told Stoneham Fire Chief Matthew Grafton he wanted to help other children who have suffered from traumatic events.

Noonan, who was adopted, shared his own experiences of dealing with trauma early in life while he was in foster care. He told Chief Grafton someone gave him a plush Trouble the Dog toy during the time he was feeling most vulnerable and the dog toy gave him a feeling of safety and security.

Trouble the Dog is a plush toy designed in 2006 by Sheila Duncan, of Marblehead after her own family suffered multiple severe losses in a short amount of time.

Duncan said as Trouble's popularity grew, she collaborated with others to create a book series about the dog.

The Noonans, lead by Darius, created an effort to raise money to buy the plush toys to be distributed throughout the area. "Mom and Dad, I want to be able to give other kids — if they’re having a bad day — one of these dogs." Kevin Noonan quoted his son saying.

The Stoneham Fire Department says the Noonans have raised over $10,000 to buy and distribute the toys, bringing them to the Department of Children and Families, police, and fire departments.

Stoneham firefighters say they were able to thank Darius by letting him ride through town in a fire truck, and even letting him honk the horn.

"I want to thank Darius for his generous donation, which our firefighters will put to good use helping kids in need," Chief Grafton said. "I encourage anyone who would like to support Darius' efforts to do so, so that even more children will be helped by this meaningful work."

The Stoneham Fire Department says they will now provide the dogs to children who have experienced trauma via car accidents or other incidents to help comfort them.

The Noonans will accept donations for their efforts via Venmo at @dsnoonan12.

Click here for more information on Trouble the Dog.