Marty Hendricks

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) -  

One local businessman plays Santa year-round, giving to sick children in the area.

Marty Hendricks has been giving toys to the pediatric unit at Terre Haute Regional Hospital for three years now.

Making Hendricks the winner of this month's WTHI - Plumber and Steam-fitters Local 157 Make A Difference Award. Marty Hendricks had no idea we were going to surprise him with a Make A Difference award. But still, he came to Regional hospital armed with a bag of toys, something he's done many times before.

Hendricks, the owner of Vigo Landscaping, donates shiny toys to the pediatric unit. Crayons, tractors, they all make a big difference to the kids and the nurses.

"He's a godsend, we're so thankful he makes a huge difference," Cheri Webster, the nurse who nominated Hendricks said. "It makes us feel better about doing our job."

Last Christmas Hendricks brought in two truck loads of toys. He said he wants to keep his business' money in the community. That's not all, Hendricks has a personal connection to these halls.

"My son was in an accident, he was seriously injured and they took good care of him here," Hendricks said. "That kinda put the icing on the cake to give back."

Every couple weeks he unloads toys in hopes of helping someone else's child. If you'd like to nominate someone for a Make a Difference award click on the Community page on our website.