It was about a boy who wanted to be a Mighty Morphin Power Ranger for Halloween, but his family couldn’t afford the costume. The boy’s mother proceeded to create a homemade version for her son.

The costume, though, wasn’t well-received, as other students at school bullied and teased him.

The situation prompted a conversation between Mason and his mother, Lisa Brady.

She explained that some youths have challenges due to family situations that prevent them from maybe not having the costumes or ample nourishment that other students enjoy.

That conversation propelled Mason into action.

His mother works for Giving Hope Kansas City, a nonprofit that serves as a metro-area food pantry.

Mason decided to have a toy drive so those youths in need wouldn’t be left out when it came time for Christmas presents. And so, Mason’s Merry Toy Drive was born.

Mason, a first-grader in Rebecca Kenton’s class at Tonganoxie Elementary School, along with his mother worked with businesses and churches to establish five drop-off sites in Kansas City, Kan., (Victory Ford, Amazing Smiles of Kansas City, Sammy’s Tavern, Village West Family Church and The Moose Lodge No. 1999) and one in Tonganoxie, Farm Bureau in the 500 block of East Fourth Street.

They also put together a Breakfast with Santa event Dec. 7 at Victory Ford in KCK. Victory Ford is associated with Giving Hope KC.

Mason and Lisa then picked up toys at all of the drop-off sites this past Thursday.

They utilized a van from Victory Ford. Local resident’s generosity packed the van with donated toys.

Lisa said they collected more than 400 toys through the drive.

When the mother and son dropped the toys off at Giving Hope, emotions ran high.

“I was very proud of him and I was in tears when we dropped off the toys and saw the impact he made for other children,” Lisa said.

Asked how he felt about the drive and its impact on fellow children, Mason got to the point.

“Great,” he said.

As for his reaction to the folks at Giving Hope KC seeing all of the toys come in, he said it made him smile.

He did have one more concern after dropping off the toys — they didn’t plan for the wrapping paper and tape.

His mind was put at ease when Giving Hope officials told him they would be able to take care of wrapping the presents.

Mason was excited about what the drive meant for other children. Asked about his Christmas list, Mason had a few items.

A dirt bike, four-wheeler battery and Nerf guns all were on the big-hearted TES student’s list.