Toys For Joy- Toy and Food Drive

Toys For Joy Serves Thousands of San Diego Families With Toys, Food and Clothing

More than 12,000 Expected to Attend

Phone: 619.764.5212, 858.254.6019(c)

meiling.starkey@sdrock.com

More than 12,000 people are expected to attend the Annual Toys for Joy event at Abraham Lincoln High School on Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Seventeen years in the running, families start lining up before the sun rises for an opportunity to pick up 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 ages up to 11 receive a free toy but families will have the opportunity to receive free lunch, clothing, groceries and entertainment. Many volunteers, sponsors, and community partners work together to spread pervasive hope through this significant event.  

“There are some kids who would not get a toy this Christmas. Toys For Joy means a lot for a parent who might not have a job or is unemployed,” said Council President Tony Young.

Toys for Joy began more than a decade ago, in partnership with Victory Outreach Church in San Diego. At that time, the Rock Church did not exist and it was Miles Ahead Ministry that spearheaded the event.
 

“We started this event four years before we started the church. This event is one of my favorites because you see people who have a great need. For 15 years, we saw a need in the community for basic things like toys and Christmas gifts...so many people came out and acted so generous, it was a no brainer,” said McPherson.

Now, the event has grown to toys, food, clothing, and more. Last year alone, 2,593 volunteers helped to distribute 10,176 toys, 196,000 articles of clothing, and 13,997 bags of groceries. This year, Toys for Joy hopes to do the same. In addition to the expected 10,000 toys, 80,000 pounds of food and 200,000 articles of clothing that will be distributed to families in need, there will also be free lunch and live entertainment including JR Crew, a children’s fun zone and more. This event is free and open to the community.   

To make a difference in the life of a child this Christmas, there are three ways to be part of Toys For Joy:

Volunteer: Sign up to volunteer with family and friends at toys-for-joy.org/volunteers

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   

Toys For Joy would not be possible without the generosity of monetary gifts and/or donations.

WHAT: Toys for Joy is one of San Diego's largest and longest running community outreach events. Now in its 17th year, it was originated by Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church.  Last year, the Rock Church donated 235,000 volunteer hours internationally, with an estimated value of $11.2 million* with 233,712 hours of these hours given directly to the City of San Diego, saving the city over $4 million.

WHY: A united act of compassion designed to meet the basic physical and spiritual needs of community residents.

WHO:  The Rock is partnering with local businesses, churches and community agencies.  Approximately 2500 volunteers will be on hand to help unload the Toys for Joy trucks, distribute food, toys, and clothing.

The event is open to the community.

WHEN:  9 AM - 2 PM  Saturday, December 14, 2013

WHERE: Abraham Lincoln High School 

              4777 Imperial Avenue

              San Diego, CA 92113

              *(Media Entrance: ALHS Administration Building off Imperial Ave)

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

• Interview opportunities with:

• Miles McPherson, Rock Church Senior Pastor and founder of Toys for Joy.

• Lillie McMillan, Porter Elementary School Principal

• Visuals of thousands of local residents receiving toys, lunch, free groceries, clothing, etc.

• In community partnership with City of San Diego Special Events, San Diego Police Department, Lincoln High School, Porter Elementary School and Park & Recreation Centers. Over 20 sponsors from all areas of San Diego will be represented.

ABOUT TOYS FOR JOY

Toys for Joy was founded by Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church in 1996 to partner with local churches and community businesses and serve Southeastern San Diego. For the past 16 years, Toys for Joy has impacted thousands of lives through volunteers that provide toys, clothing, and food, in addition to health and community services. For more information, visit www.toys-for-joy.org.

Pictures are also available online: http://bit.ly/spG3Fs.

Overview video from Toys For Joy 2012: http://bit.ly/GJKYsW

ABOUT THE ROCK

The Rock is San Diego’s largest church and the 4th largest church in the Southern California according to Outreach Magazine's 2012 "100 Largest Churches in America" report. It was started in 2000 by Pastor Miles McPherson, a former NFL player. Over 12,300 people attend the Rock's five Sunday services.

For more information go to www.sdrock.com

Follow us on Twitter (@therocksandiego) and Facebook (The Rock San Diego)