Last year, Toys for Tots distributed over 170,000 toys to more than 52,000 children in the Phoenix area.
Kendahl Lock of Phoenix had an especially difficult 2020. She lost two family members and was unable to gather with loved ones to honor them due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But one thing did bring her joy—the fundraising drive she started for Toys for Tots, which brought in $5,400 that year.
QUIZ: What Does Your Favorite Holiday Dish Say About You?
The drive went so well that she and her husband decided to organize one again in 2021, raising over $7,000.
And for their third year? The couple brought in $10,400, thanks in part to a $6,000 donation from Lock’s husband’s employer, Awareness Analytics Partners. The other 36 donations came from friends and family.
“We were hoping to get $10,000, but I really did not expect we were going to get that or anywhere near it,” Lock told The Copper Courier.
Getting a Jump Start
Lock has been starting the drive earlier and earlier each year. This year, she took advantage of some “Christmas in July” sales and started purchasing toys in the summer.
She started raising money in October and quickly filled up her home with 720 toys.
“[My husband] works remotely and so randomly he’d be on Zoom call and there would be a toy avalanche or one of them would start talking and then he would make another one talk,” she said. “It was ridiculous.”
Lock said the nonprofit asked to come pick up the toys in the second week of November because her drive is the largest personal donation they receive, and it would take time to sort through.
Lock said she makes sure to buy a wide range of toys for all ages and interests. She also mentioned buying a diverse set of dolls, including dolls of multiple ethnicities and a Barbie in a wheelchair, to make sure the gifts are inclusive.
“I make sure to get sports equipment and toys and crafts and board games and just something for everybody,” she said.
While Lock’s toy drive is over, there are still opportunities to donate. The Toys for Tots website has a search function for local campaigns and also accepts online donations.
Last year, the nonprofit distributed over 170,000 toys to over 52,000 children in the Phoenix area.
Looking for the latest Arizona news? Sign up for our FREE daily newsletter.
Politics
Democrats successfully force vote on repealing 1864 abortion ban, passes House
The Arizona legislature moved forward two bills Wednesday that would repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban. A bill to repeal the ban has been...
State Official: 1864 abortion ban gives Arizona ‘black eye’
Arizona’s role at the forefront of the climate crisis, defending democratic elections, and protecting reproductive rights has caught the attention...
Local News
Arizona Sens. Anthony Kern, Jake Hoffman, indicted for fake election scheme
Eighteen individuals involved in a conspiracy to overturn Arizona’s election results in 2020 were indicted by a grand jury Wednesday and charged...
Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to let Arizona doctors provide abortions in California
California law generally allows abortion up to the point of fetal viability, which is around 24 weeks. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Arizona doctors...