16,000 San Diego Children and Adults Get Early Christmas Presents
Toys for Joy exists to bring joy to those who need it most, the 16.8%* of San Diego County's children who are living in poverty. This year, in addition to the 10,000 toys and 60,000 pounds of food that will be distributed to families in need, there will also be free food, clothing, and groceries, live entertainment, a children’s fun zone, and a special venue for teens.
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) December 1, 2010
Last year, the rain came down but nothing dampened the spirits of the Toys for Joy volunteers, who gave out more than 12,000 toys and 10,000 bags of groceries to more than 8,000 people who attended the annual Christmas outreach.
Over 2,300 volunteers from a dozen other churches joined to also provide meals, clothing, haircuts and medical services to the attendees, many of whom waited in line as early as 2AM, endured the rain and trekked through mud-soaked fields in order to ensure their families would have a memorable Christmas.
Organizers hope that this year’s 14th Annual Toys for Joy event at Abraham Lincoln High School and Walter J. Porter Elementary School will have an even greater impact, especially in light of the financial hardships many families will experience this Christmas because of today’s economy. About 16,000 children and adults are expected to attend.
“More than ever, people need to step up and help those who are in need this year,” said Miles McPherson, pastor of Rock Church. “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. That’s the purpose of the church.”
In addition to toys, a food court and clothing, this year’s event will feature a Teen Area, with live bands, guest speakers, dance crews and graffiti artists. Community partners will be on hand to provide information about resources available to residents that include job training and placement programs, inner-city tutoring, gang alternatives and more.
The church has organized Toys for Joy since 1996. The event is part of the Do Something World campaign. Last year, the Rock Church donated 615,956 hours of community service to the City of San Diego (valued at $9.6 million*) with 166,251 of these hours given directly to Mayor Jerry Sanders for projects specifically identified by him, saving the city $2.6 million. This year's goal is 700,000 hours, with 200,000 hours going directly to the Mayor's projects. To date, 450,955 hours of city-transforming ministry service have been completed.
This year’s Toys for Joy will be held from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Abraham Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113.
For information on how you can volunteer or make a donation, visit http://www. toys-for-joy. org
Link to 2009 Toys for Joy photos: http://www. therocksandiego. org/pictures/2009-12-12-toys4joy/6/
WHEN:
Saturday, December 11, 2010
9 AM - 4 PM
WHERE:
Abraham Lincoln High School
4777 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, CA 92113
*(Media Entrance: ALHS Administration Building off Imperial Ave)
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
Interview opportunity with Rock Church Senior Pastor and author of "DO Something: Make Your Life Count" Miles McPherson Visuals of thousands of local residents receiving free health screenings, toys, lunch, free groceries, etc. In partnership with Petco Park, Marines, Navy, SageTree Solutions, Rockpile, Rock Thrift Store, Macys, Mattel, Henrys Marketplace, SDUSD, SD Special Events, McMillian, England Lighting Systems, Lakeside Equipment, SD Food Bank, C&M Relocation Systems, many local entertainers and more.
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 13 years, Toys for Joy has impacted thousands of lives through volunteers that provide toys, clothing, and food, in addition to health and community services.
ABOUT THE ROCK
The Rock is San Diego’s largest church and the 19th largest church in the nation according to Outreach Magazine's 2009 "100 Largest and Fastest-Growing Churches in America" survey. It was started in 2000 by Pastor Miles McPherson, a former NFL player. Over 12,500 people attend the Rock's five Sunday services.
*Source: KidsData. org
For more information go to http://www. therocksandiego. org
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