Toys For Joy Spreading Holiday Cheer In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA – Thousands of children will have toys this Christmas, thanks to Toys for Joy. The annual event, which has brought joy to children and their families for two decades, is scheduled Saturday at four high schools in San Diego County.

"Toys for Joy has become a wonderful holiday tradition in San Diego," San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said in a statement.

"Each year thousands of our neighbors volunteer their time and their treasure to bring holiday cheer to those in need," he said. "It is a great example of how San Diegans can come together to help one another and we are grateful to everyone for their selflessness."

Toys for Joy offers much more than toys to local families. Not only will children receive a free toy, but families will receive free lunch, clothing and groceries for the holidays. The event will also feature a variety of activities.

"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," Miles McPherson, founder of The Rock Church, said in a statement. "That's the purpose of the church."

McPherson started Toys for Joy in 1996. Since then, Toys for Joy has served more than 129,000 children and their families in San Diego County.

Toys for Joy served over 22,000 children and adults last year, with families lining up as early as 4 p.m. the day before the event for toys, clothing and groceries for the holidays. Last year alone, 25,000 toys, 15,100 bags of groceries, and 312,500 articles of clothing and shoes were given to children and their families, event organizers said.

This year, 25,000 people are expected to attend the 21st annual Toys for Joy, which will take place at four locations for the third year. The event has expanded as the church has expanded campuses.

The Rock Church partners with schools, businesses and community organizations, as well as local churches to coordinate Toys for Joy. It takes more than 4,500 volunteers to organize such a massive event.

Geniese Ligon, who works for the San Diego Unified School District, has volunteered with Toys for Joy for several years.

"Everyone can get involved by donating one thing," said Geniese Ligon, who serves as dean of students at Jonas Salk Elementary School in Mira Mesa. She is a former teacher at Porter Elementary School, where she first learned about Toys for Joy.

"Toys for Joy is pure love," Ligon told Patch.

"We make sure that everyone is a VIP," she said. "Nobody leaves feeling any way other than amazing."

Toys for Joy, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Abraham Lincoln High School and Southwest High School in San Diego, El Cajon Valley High School in El Cajon, and Vista High School in Vista.

To donate, purchase a toy or volunteer for Toys for Joy, visit www.toys-for-joy.org.

Photos via Toys For Joy