SAN DIEGO, CALIF. --- On Saturday, December 8, 21,000 people are expected to attend the 22nd annual Toys for Joy event from 9AM-2PM. The event is located at three locations, including Lincoln High School, Cajon Valley Middle School, and Guajome Park Academy.
Twenty one years in the running, families start lining up as early as 3pm the day before for an opportunity to receive toys, clothing and groceries for the holidays. Now more than ever, Toys for Joy has become a tradition that San Diego families count on every December, meeting the needs of thousands.
Toys for Joy is more than just a toy. Not only will children birth to 11 receive a free toy, but families will have the opportunity to receive free lunch, gently-used clothing (at the Lincoln site), groceries, hair cuts, activities and more. Many volunteers, sponsors, and community partners work together to spread pervasive hope through this significant event.
In tough economic times, everyone needs hope. Of San Diego County’s 3.2 million residents, 486,000 people face food insecurity every day.* Of this number, 163,000 are children. Nearly 19 percent of San Diego County’s children are living in poverty, according to KidsData.org. An analysis of two Census Bureau surveys — one conducted between 2006 and 2010, and the other between 2011 and 2015 — shows that the countywide poverty rate grew from 12.3 to 14.5 percent. That’s an increase of 94,000 people living on incomes below the poverty line, enough to fill two Petco Park Stadiums.*
San Marcos Vice Mayor, Rebecca Jones shared, “Toys for Joy has such a positive impact on the community. The energy at the event is electric and fun. Each child and adult is showered with positivity and love, in a time of year that can feel otherwise hopeless for families not able to make ends meet. I’m so honored and blessed to be part of this event that brings fun, love and joy to so many by sharing the gospel in such an intentional way, action!”
During the holiday season, it is even more difficult for families to provide toys and clothing for their families without sufficient funds and resources. Toys for Joy brings hope by providing a toy, clothing, lunch and groceries to those in need. These toys are a way to change the lives of families in San Diego, and fulfill the main mission of the church to bring people together and transform the lives of San Diego by sharing the meaning of Christmas.
“More than ever, people need to step up and help those who are in need this year,” said McPherson. “Christmas is a time when God showed His love for us, and we’re ready to show God’s love in the communities where we live and serve. That’s the purpose of the church.”
The event has grown to toys, food, clothing, and more. Last year alone, Toys for Joy gave away over 21,927 toys, 11,812 bags of groceries, 279,000 articles of clothing and shoes to brighten the lives of many San Diego kids. This event is free and open to the community.
To make a difference in the life of a child this Christmas, there are four ways to be part of Toys for Joy:
Give. Purchase a toy from the online wish list at toys-for-joy.org/toys
Partner. Monetary and/or in-kind gifts can be contributed online at toys-for-joy.org/donate
Invite. Invite a friend or family that you know that could benefit from this event. https://www.toys-for-joy.org/events
Volunteer. Sign up to volunteer with family and friends at toys-for-joy.org/volunteers
Toys for Joy would not be possible without the generosity of monetary gifts and/or donations.
WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 2018 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
WHERE:
1. Abraham Lincoln High School (media site) - open to community
4777 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113
2. Cajon Valley Middle School - open to community
3. Guajome Park Academy - open to community
