Cool Kid Julio Ornelas collects toys for children with cancer

PICO RIVERA, Calif. (KABC) -- A special delivery was made during the holidays by 17-year-old Julio Ornelas.

The El Rancho High School Senior from Pico Rivera held a toy drive for children with cancer, and delivered those toys to kids of all ages before Christmas.

"If I'm in the power to give a child happiness through a toy, I'm more than happy to help with that," said Ornelas.

One of those toy recipients was Merak Ramirez, who fought back against a relapse of leukemia.

"Knowing that someone still cares about us, and they always give us motivation and emotional support like that, sometimes that's what we need," Ramirez said.

Ornelas teamed up with Junior Foundation Charities for this toy drive. Each of the recipients is either undergoing cancer treatment or in remission. One little girl arrived to get her toy wearing a medical mask.

It's a topic that hits close to home for Ornelas.

"My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer on Nov. 19, 2015 and I was her primary caregiver since my sophomore year," said Ornelas. "Sadly she passed away this past summer and I thought giving back to the community was important."

"I think it's amazing that he is willing to take a stand and make a difference for so many kids who are battling cancer," said Jessical Avila, director of Junior Foundation Charities.

Ornelas collected more than 200 toys and 100 books with the help of his classmates and says he will continue doing it even after he graduates.