Ward Gallagher, 11, Evie Gallagher, 10, and Hank Gallagher, 8, drop off donations with the help of Tennessee Titans cheerleaders during the Red Wagon Project event at Vanderbilt Health storage facility on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. Red Wagon Team Captains have been collecting item donations through their schools, neighborhoods and sports teams that in turn will support patients and families at Monroe Carell. (photo by Erin O. Smith)

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By: Jessica Pasley

Who knew that UNO cards are the No. 1 item that patients and families at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt request?

Ten-year-old Evie Gallagher did.

Last week, Evie and fellow members of Girl Scout Troop 465 stood outside Julia Green Elementary School asking students to donate packs of the popular card game. This week she unloaded nearly 100 packs of cards during the Red Wagon Project Delivery Day benefiting Monroe Carell.

The Red Wagon Project, established in 2012, is a volunteer program for students in grades K-12: They spearhead donation drives to benefit families during their hospital stay.

After a nearly six-year hiatus, the program is back.

More than 20 students, serving as Red Wagon Captains, participated in the first donation drop-off of items to support patients and families amid fanfare from Tennessee Titans cheerleaders, a Hunt Brothers Pizza truck and DJ/music by Louis Lee Entertainment.

“It has been inspiring to watch these youth ignite their creativity, set goals for their drives and have fun supporting patients and families,” said Cindy Comperry, assistant director of Volunteer Services at Monroe Carell. “Their success has far exceeded our expectations, and their giving spirits are contagious. The impact on patients and families will be immense.”

Comperry said the Red Wagon Project plans to hold several drives a year to assist with fulfilling the hospital’s wish list as well as securing other necessities including toiletries, blankets and stuffed animals.

“I thought it would be fun to help out kids at the hospital,” said Evie. “I’ve had friends and family in the hospital, and I wanted to make them feel happy.”

Students engaged classmates, teammates and neighbors in their service project quests.

“From pajama drives during school spirit week to collecting toiletries at a soccer tournament, these students have shown a true commitment to helping others,” said Comperry.

“I look forward to seeing what other creative ideas arise as more students become involved in the program. It’s a wonderful and fun way for this age group to learn about philanthropy.”