Frideres didn’t remember ever sustaining a head injury, but Joneson encouraged him to look into his military service records and Frideres found information about a severe injury that had left him unconscious for more than 45 minutes. Due to the trauma, Frideres had no memory of the injury but Joneson had been able to see the evidence through tests and imaging.

Frideres has since begun treatment for his severe headaches and has been diagnosed with a type of dementia developed from his injuries.

“I went through my life not knowing that I had this head injury until I met this guy,” he said.

Frideres said after receiving such outstanding care, he wanted to find a way to give back to the Community Health Center. For the third year in a row, Frideres will donate hundreds of toys to be given to children receiving care at the Community Health Center.

“I get as many toys as I can and then donate them to the clinic. These kids are already scared and nervous and then the doctor gets to come in and give them a drum set or something and it just lights their world up,” said Frideres. “The doctors get to feel that, too. After a whole two years of dealing with torturous COVID, to be able to go in and make some people happy is a way for me to give back.”

Frideres collects the toys and then delivers them to the Community Health Center where the staff wraps them.

“They bring in wrapping paper and make a fun experience out of it. Some of the doctors even wrap their presents in certain colors so they know which ones they wrapped,” said Freideres.

The first year Frideres collected toys, he said they were able to get around 200 and last year they had around 300. He hopes they can collect even more this year.

Frideres will collect toy donations from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday in the parking lot by Hy-Vee, Marshalls, and Hobby Lobby on South 29th Street.

“Just a random assortment of toys is requested,” Frideres said.

For anyone who would prefer to donate monetarily, Frideres has set up an online fundraiser and the money will be used to purchase toys on Black Friday. He said buying toys on Black Friday allows them to get as many toys as they can with the money donated. Donations can be made at gofund.me/02e9e7fd and Frideres said any amount is appreciated.