Tomaca’s Annual Toy Drive

By Tomaca, on December 16th, 2009

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I spread the toys around everywhere —

Yes, it’s mine. I own it; I declare it and I take responsibility for it.This year the collection was half what it was last year. I know my mistakes though. Last year, flyers were hand-delivered; this year we emailed them out.

I learned that without that personal touch — that human to human interaction or life-to-life connection – something was missing and people weren’t as responsive.

So, next year, it’s back to the “Hi! How are you? Did you know we’re collecting used toys?”

The kids who get these toys have absolutely nothing. Nothing. I am sure that people from other parts of the world, who think that Americans have everything, would be surprised to learn that there are people here who have nothing. Yes, the have’s and the have-nots are everywhere across the globe. And here, it’s getting worse with unemployment being the highest it’s been in decades.

But, I am grateful to have had the joy of the company of all these little angels around me for a few weeks. They bring light to my area and to my life. But, now, with all the love energy we can possibly muster, and with tremendous blessings, I send all these little angels on their way. They will bring smiles and love to children. We got started with this three years ago when an employee’s brother, who is a police officer, told us about the extreme poverty of the community that he services and how most of those kids have nothing and get nothing. We embraced the concept of collecting toys and we contact people at businesses in the area to let them know.

One thing that is usually lacking is toys for teens — footballs, softballs, basketballs, maybe even some handheld video games, cameras, MP3 players. I have to find a way to expand the collection. I don’t need to talk about how important it is to keep teens engaged in positive activities. I would love to have some feedback or ideas on how I can get things for teens — anyone?

Feel free to share what you’ve done in your area to help brighten someone’s holiday! Thanks!