Media Inquiries Only: Mei Ling Starkey
Phone: 619.764.5212, 858.254.6019(c)
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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.
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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.
MORE:
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: 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.
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)
