Toys donated by LWers will benefi t 500 kids

by Emma DiMaggio

Communications Manager

Clubhouse 4 was the scene of dancing and holiday merriment on Dec. 14 as residents gathered for GRF’s toy drive dance.

The annual dance and toy drive benefit children and families in need during the holidays. This year’s beneficiary was the Brown Descents Car Club, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Orange County.

To gain entry to the dance, attendees were required to donate one toy to the drive, though many brought trash bags full of toys to the event, slung over their shoulders à la St. Nick.

After dropping off their toys, people bounced into the main room of Clubhouse 4— welcomed by a sea of red and green, dancing to live music by the Legends of Rock.

By the end of the night, three massive boxes were overflowing with basketballs, Barbie dolls, art supplies and toys galore.

The dance fl oor was packed as people danced to live music from the Legends of Rock.

Mary and Dan Larkin of Mutual 1

Millie and Dennis Kilgo of Mutual 12

Photos by Emma DiMaggio “I can’t express the feeling we all get when we see these kids faces light up,” said Brown Descents Car Club President Robert Esparza, who took to the mic at the dance. “We talk to so many parents who didn’t know what they were getting their kids this year. You’re angels. We always make sure to mention you, the people of Leisure World.”

The toys are expected to reach 500 kids this year, a massive increase from the organization’s first toy distribution event seven years ago, which benefitted just 50 lucky kids.

“After we established a relationship with Leisure World, wow, what a difference,” Esparza said.

That relationship formed thanks to former GRF Physical Property Inspector Mike Meza, who was a member of the club.

For years, the car club gladly accepted leftover toys from GRF’s toy drive, the bulk of which went to the Marines at the time. After the Marines changed their procedures, the Brown Descents became GRF’s go-to charity.

In addition to collecting toys, the 501(c)3 also provides scholarships and mentorship to disadvantaged teens. LWers are invited to attend the car club’s toy distribution on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 10 a.m.2 p.m. at Orangewood Avenue Baptist Church, located at 8421 Orangewood Ave., Garden Grove.

The event will feature a car show, a Christmas pop-up bazaar, music, food and vendors. The toy giveaway will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Jenny Lambert (l) and William Young hit the dance floor in festive attire.

Marvin Jones of Mutual 7 (l) and Marilyn Hewitt of Mutual 6 donated toy cars.

Emma DiMaggio

By the end of the night, the donation boxes were bursting with toys, with Recreation staffcontinually assembling new boxes to contain the overflow.