Stories

Toys for Joy Brings Joy to Guests and Volunteers

It’s amazing the difference a toy can make.

That difference showed on the beaming faces of parents and their children as the kids chose their favorite toys at the Rock Church’s 14th annual Toys for Joy event.

Over 1,900 volunteers converged at Abraham Lincoln High School Saturday, December 11, 2010, as part of a Do Something World campaign. In addition to the toys, nearly 7,000 guests were entertained and received coupons for a complimentary lunch, free groceries and clothing from the Rock Share ministry.

Pastor Miles McPherson said that this year’s outreach was especially meaningful because resources are being given directly where the need is the greatest.

“Sixteen percent of San Diegans live in poverty. That’s one in five people,” said McPherson. “For all of us who don’t live in poverty, we don’t know what that means. It’s a blessing to us to be a blessing to them.”

McPherson adds, “Through serving, people see how a little bit of love can go a long way.”

For many, the little they have this year has to go a lot farther. Many parents – even those who were working -- shared that they needed a little extra help because of the recession.

“Honestly, whatever they get we’re happy with it,” said one father, a landscaper who came at 5 a.m. with his wife Izalia and three of their children. “Right now times are hard. There’s not a lot of work, and my wife’s hours were cut back. Any little bit we get, it helps. It’s a blessing.”

Another young woman, a single mother of three, agreed times are difficult: “I’m not working. I have to pay all my bills. I don’t have money to buy gifts.”

“This is a time of need; people are struggling,” acknowledged San Diego City Council President Tony Young, whose 4th district encompasses Lincoln High School. “For some (kids) this may be the only toy they get this year.”

“It’s been a tough year,” said Ronald Lacey, who came to represent the office of Mayor Jerry Sanders. “This is one of the ways the community can help the government fill a void. We don’t have the resources, the manpower, to make this happen, but it’s one thing that’s needed in our community.”

Pastor Mickey Stonier, summing up the purpose of Toys for Joy, said the event is all about volunteers “getting on their knees and washing (guests’) feet with toys, food, entertainment, prayer and, most important, giving them the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Several guests were impressed with the organization and the willing and cheerful attitudes of the volunteers who served throughout the day.

Inside the clothing room, volunteers organized and gave out 225,000 articles of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. They played cartoons on a DVD player for restless toddlers while parents got the opportunity to “shop” for clothing and shoes.

“(Pastor) Miles is always pushing, ‘Get up and Do Something,’ so we thought this would be fun,” said one volunteer. She and her daughter worked in the clothing room, helping to put out clothes and make recommendations to guests, while her son carried items for overburdened guests.

“I love the fact that everyone’s getting together and helping the community, especially with the recession,” said a guest as she made her way to the clothing line with her 4-year-old daughter and 19-year-old niece.

At the end of the day, weary but happy volunteers hosted the last of their guests and began the teardown and cleanup. According to Debbie Smith, Director of Volunteer Development and Do Something Events, this was the first year Toys for Joy didn’t have to do a toy run to get more toys, and the leftovers were donated to Prison Ministry Angel Tree, Rock Cancer Care, Rock Single and Teen Parents, Military Ministry, Jackie Robinson YMCA, Mt. Erie’s Angel Tree and other organizations.

“I know our bodies are sore and our minds are tired,” said Smith, “but we all experienced the ‘Joy’ in Toys for Joy.”