Israel's Christmas Toy Drive

In the spirit of the holiday season, I sit back, reflect on my life and count my blessings. 

As many of you may know, growing up wasn't easy for me as I had to watch my mom work day in, day out relentlessly to provide for me and make sure I had whatever it was that I needed. Growing up, I never really had brand-name anything but nevertheless, the holidays were always special. One way or another, my mom always managed to make ends meet and every year, just like clockwork, there was always a present sitting under the tree for me to unwrap on Christmas morning.  Now that I'm older, I sit back and smile as I dwell on those holiday memories and realize how much joy getting a toy each year gave me and how much of a highlight that was to my childhood growing up. 

Unfortunately, not every kid knows what that is. Every year, as I volunteer to pass out food in Skid Row, an impoverished area in downtown Los Angeles, and Civic Center in Downtown Santa Ana, my heart breaks a little to see so many children growing up way too fast with their childhood being stolen due to proverty. They don't know the joys that a simple toy can bring as all they can think of is the whereabouts of their next meal. 

Although, I will continue to help and volunteer in feeding the homeless, this year, I've made it my own personal mission to focus on kids and help bring a warm smile to their cute innocent faces through a toy. My goal is to raise $500.00 to buy toys and pass them out on Christmas Eve. YOU can bring my goal to life by donating (any monetary amount will help, or any toy will do as well!). I will also need some help passing them out. Therefore, I urge you to help me by either donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. I will personally pay the difference out of my own pocket if I don't reach the goal, however, I believe in humanity and know that this won't be a problem.

Happy Holidays,

Israel S. Miranda