It was Christmas, 2021, and the Glasgow family of Seaford – consisting of father Wayne, mother Kim, daughter Hope and son Nathan – celebrated like practically every other family celebrating the holidays. Furiously opening gifts, the children’s voices filled the air at a higher pitch than usual, bursting with excitement of the season. The family was used to being together, as mom Kim homeschooled her children. However, COVID forced them together 24/7. Kim enjoyed the closeness. “COVID made everything hard,” she said, “but it gave us so much more time together – and I’m glad for that.”
On Jan. 2, the family munched on popcorn, and boxed candy from Walmart for one of their “Sunday Movie Nights,” held in the protective comfort of their home. On Jan. 3, the family got out and enjoyed the snow that blanketed the Delmarva region. But on Jan. 6, 2022, the family experienced every parent’s worst nightmare. Fourteen-year-old Hope and six-year-old Nathan lost their lives when a motorist bashed head-on into the vehicle in which they were passengers. Kim was driving at the time of the tragic accident; she was in the hospital for six days, recovering from her physical injuries. The emotional ramifications of that fateful day are still felt by the mother of three. She doesn’t drive or wish to be a passenger in a vehicle unless it’s absolutely necessary now.
Shown is the Glasgow family: Wayne, Kim, daughter Hope and son Nathan. Photo submitted by Kim Glasgow
“They were our everything,” said Kim Glasgow. “They still are. They’re just not here, physically. It doesn’t change that they’re the focus of my world.” She recalled happier times when their father would come home in his work truck; their dad took them for rides around the yard in it, to the family’s enjoyment.
She described Hope as a girl who loved camo and vehicles. “She wanted to be a mechanic and truck driver when she grew up – so she could fix any vehicle herself and not worry about a tow truck. She was all about Roblox and arts and crafts. She would find random bits and create art out of anything.”
She referred to Nathan as a boy who loved to dress in a variety of costumes such as a policeman or a superhero, but as equally enamored with vehicles as his sister. “From the time he was a year old, he was all about vehicles. It didn’t matter what vehicle it was.”
It was while she was in the hospital following the accident, heartbroken about the loss of her children, that she determined to not let the memories of Hope and Nathan be forgotten. She thought of a few presents from Christmas still not used, and told her husband from her hospital bed that they needed to do something – anything – to help other children have a good Christmas as a way to honor their children’s memories.
“I didn’t know if it was because Christmas had just passed. I wanted to shop like I was shopping for the kids,” Kim said.
The summer brought about what would have been the birthdays of the Glasgow children – Hope’s on July 22, and Nathan’s on Aug. 22. During those times, the Glasgow family encouraged others to donate toys in Hope’s memory for “Brooke’s Toy Closet,” and make monetary donations to Doggone Happy Animal Rescue in memory of Nathan. Both drives were successful.
Creating a toy drive in Hope and Nathan’s memories was a natural progression for the mother. “Whenever they saw the red bucket, one or both would hold out their hands, wanting to give.” She smiled at the memory, then continued. “Both of them had such a giving nature. They made a point to give to ‘Toys for Tots.’ Whenever they saw a need, they wanted to try to fill it.”
The creation of the Facebook page, “In Loving Memory of Hope and Nathan” emerged from that desire to make sure the Glasgow children would not be forgotten, and to create something positive out of tragedy. “It gives me a reason to push through it, day by day,” Kim said.
“In Loving Memory of Hope and Nathan Toy Drive” will benefit children who otherwise would not receive a memorable Christmas. The Glasgows teamed up with Love INC and Toys for Tots in Salisbury to collect and distribute toys for those who are going through trying financial times this year. They request new, unwrapped toys to be placed in specially marked boxes at businesses throughout Sussex County, like Callaway, Farnell, and Moore.
Lindsey Schilling, an administrative assistant at the real estate office, said those who work there are pleased to help in any way they can. “We’ve always been a part of the Salvation Army toy drive, and all of us here clearly remember the day everything happened. Nobody objected to being a part of this project. We’re honored and privileged to support this mission.”
Glasgow said they plan to hold the toy drive every year – and are looking for other ways to give to the community on behalf of their children’s memories. “I am grateful to everyone. There are no words,” she said. “For all those who shared, liked the Facebook page and any related posts, I cannot express how much that means to us.”
When asked what Hope and Nathan would think of the toy drive, Kim answered, “I’d like to think they’re proud. Not just that we’re remembering them, but honoring their joy of giving.”
The toy drive will run until Friday, Dec. 2. Toys may be dropped off at the following locations: Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., 302 E. King Street, Seaford; Kristen Leverage State Farm Agency, 26876 Sussex Highway, Seaford; Kaylee – Platinum Nutrition, 227 N. Willey Street, Seaford; Callaway, Farnell and Moore Real Estate, 500 W. Stein Highway, Seaford; Coastal Care and Dermatology, 28467 DuPont Blvd., Unit 6, Millsboro; Coldwell Banker Premier Lewes, 800 Kings Highway, Lewes; Coldwell Banker Premier Rehoboth, 20184 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach; Coldwell Banker Premier Milford, 711 N. DuPont Blvd, Milford; Coldwell Banker Premier Seaford, 22350 Sussex Highway, Seaford; Scott Frye’s Floor Covering LLC, 100 Megan Ave., Seaford; SoDel Santa’s LLC, Bridgeville. Please call 302-745-1241 to arrange a drop-off time.
And for those who are unable to make it to a drop-off location, see the Amazon wish list set up at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/1s/4JML4W4SWT9H?ref_=wI_share
