In 2019, Conger felt inspired by the kindness of a Child Life Specialist named Shana who would gift him small toys. The then 9-year-old asked his mother if they could use social media to ask for donations to support other pediatric patients.
That holiday season, Conger helped deliver over 1,800 toys to young patients.
The experience led Conger and his family to start the nonprofit, Joshua’s Joyful Giving, where they give out toys and comfort items to children throughout Southern California. The charity launched their “Adopt a Local Family” initiative to support families facing cancer or other serious medical conditions in 2024.
The non-profit has distributed over 10,000 toys, 3,000 bedside bags and 300 autism backpacks in the last six years.
In a video posted to social media, the Ducks invited Conger and his family to a recent practice where head coach Joel Quenneville surprised him with the honor and his custom Ducks jersey.
“Really? That’s cool!” Conger said in reaction to the news.
The Ducks players also gave toys to Conger for his charity.
“Just seeing the way that the players and the team have rallied around him, (it’s) incredibly special for Joshua and for our whole family,” Joshua’s mother, Michelle Scalise, said in the video. “The honor to be the 21st Duck is a huge honor.”
Conger will join the Ducks on the ice at their home opener against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center on Sunday.
