Hudson Rice likes toys as much as any 10-year-old does. But Hudson dislikes homelessness more than he likes toys.

Hudson, a fourth-grader at Smoketown Elementary, is selling toys to aid people experiencing homelessness in the Conestoga Valley area. It's one of those grassroots initiatives that attracts others because it's so easy to get behind.

"We were in Chicago when I saw a homeless person for the first time," said Hudson. "I asked my mom (Melissa Rice) about it and if I could do something. I decided I wanted to do a toy sale. I decided I wanted to sell my toys. It just hurts me to the core to see people without homes. There are homeless people everywhere."

That was four years ago, and Hudson's Toy Sale has evolved into a robust community event. The next edition of the annual toy sale will be conducted on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Victory Church, 1827 Freedom Road, Suite 103, Lancaster, located within the Greenfield corporate center.

The event will also feature a bake sale, a silent auction, fundraising games, entertainment, face painting, food and drinks, with all proceeds going to Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS).

"(Hudson's Toy Sale is) fun and energetic," said Neal Rice, Hudson's dad. "Homelessness is a serious issue and a tough issue to think about. But the day of the sale has an atmosphere of the community coming together."

Some of the brand-new or lightly used toys that will be available at the sale are Legos, board games, other games and stuffed animals. In addition to helping a great cause, Hudson's Toy Sale will provide individuals with an opportunity to get in a little early Christmas shopping.

"We're really proud that he had this idea and that he was willing to put some time and energy into it," said Neal. "It's grown beyond what a young child can do himself, but he's still very engaged in it. Our family and church have really embraced the idea."

With the financial support of business sponsors like Bank of Bird-in-Hand, Clark Associates and Legacy Law and the work of 40 volunteers, including Hudson's friends and classmates, this year's toy sale is well on the way toward its goal of raising $20,000 for homelessness programs at CVCCS. Last year, Hudson's Toy Sale raised $14,000 for CVCCS, which represented a significant jump from the $4,000 raised in 2022 and the $2,000 Hudson raised during the first year of the sale, when the event was held in the Rices' backyard.

"We were expecting to raise $20," said Hudson of that first toy sale. "People just found out about it, and they started spreading the word and helping out. My friends came, and we raised $2,000. Now all of my friends help me because they care about homeless people too. It makes me feel really good inside because they want to help the homeless."

According to Conestoga Valley SEEDS, the Conestoga Valley School District community has the second-largest homeless population in Lancaster County. During the 2023-24 school year, 172 children in the school district were considered homeless.

"Hudson is the kind of kid who just loves people," said Neal. "When he sees people who are hurting, it resonates with him and drives him to want to help. We're proud of him for that. He'll literally give you the shirt off his back."