Spark of Love Toy Drive 2008

For the past three years, we have participated in the Spark of Love Toy Drive. We knew with the hard economic times, the tough job market and the high rate of foreclosures that this year was going to be more important than past years as there are more people struggling, and even more children that will go without this year for Christmas.

Toys are separated by boys and girls as well as ages. Here is the girls section

Here is the boys section

As a parent, it is important for children to have that innocence and sense of normalcy. For a child, a new toy can do just that, but for many families this year, that wasn't going to be an option. Thankfully, the Spark of Love Toy Drive hosted by Fire Departments across five counties in Southern California were there to make a difference.

Some special families receive bicycles

Fire Santa

This year, as in the years past, we participated in the Spark of Love Toy Drive with San Bernardino County Fire Department. My team and I started early (around Thanksgiving) to collect toys up through the Toy Drive Event. I cannot tell you how impressed and grateful I was for the strong participation we had this year with my team. As a group, we collected more toys this year than the past three years that we have participated.

In addition to donations by the group, team members branched out to get sponsors involved as well. Special thanks to Peter Moeini, Anthony Danna, Josh Christopher and Kate Bisaillon who worked with Corporate, local businesses and friends and families to bring in additional toys to our toy drive. Also, special thanks to Peter Moeini, Anthony Danna, his girlfriend, Megan, Amanda McWilliams, and Josh Christopher who joined Caiden, Kiya and myself to help pass out toys and tidings of good cheer to our honored guests.

Caiden helped Josh find that special toy for some of the children

Anthony and Megan handed out Hot Chocolate after retiring from handing out toys

Amanda helped pass out the gift bags (toys) to the respective families.

Megan, Anthony and Peter wait for the event to begin
Peter, Anthony and Megan wait for a note that tells them which family they will be collecting toys for

Although Dave was working, he stopped by, along with his crew, to participate for a brief time. Every year I bring Caiden, and this is the first year for Kiya, but I feel that it is very important for the kids to give back to the community, and to see that everyone can make a difference. As Caiden is getting older, I am hoping that it is lessons learned from events and life experiences such as these to realize what Christmas is all about. It's not about what you get for Christmas, or how many toys you get. It is about spending time with loved ones, and giving selflessly to others, especially those in need.

Caiden, Kiya and myself
Caiden all bundled up
Kiya not quite sure about all of the commotion
Dave showed up for a little bit :)

Dave let Caiden wear his antlers for the picture. His whole crew had some kind of crazy holiday hats...

Kiya all bundled up
Kiya and I passing out good cheer and hot chocolate

We had a rush at the hot chocolate stand :)

All and all it was a tough year, but thanks to the team in Irvine we were able to assist in making the Christmases for some very needy families a little bit easier this year, as well as sending a message of hope for the future. It takes a community to make a difference, and I, for one, am very proud to be part of the Irvine community that helped to make a difference this year!!