RICHMOND, R.I. (WPRI) — A very special Christmas wish was fulfilled Saturday afternoon. 

For the third year, Matthew’s Wish Toy Drive in Richmond collected almost 1,400 toys for the Rhode Island Center Assisting those in Need (RICAN).

Saturday’s toy parade, which featured 25 emergency vehicles from the Chariho region, was the culmination of weeks of collecting toys, all of which will be given to children who might otherwise go without this Christmas. 

The drive is the brainchild of Chariho High School student Matthew Thayer, who at 16 years old told his parents his Christmas wish was to give back to others. 

At the end of the parade, Matthew was given a gift to take home. 

Eyewitness News Reporter Caroline Goggin was the grand marshal of the parade.