Program reaches out for donations

"Our main focus is to make sure every child wakes up and gets at least one toy on Christmas Day or during the holiday season. We try to collect as many toys as possible, and all of the toys stay within the community," Diaz said.

"Usually we have more requests than we have toys, and that is the case right now."

Diaz is coordinating the local U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots effort, which is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys at locations throughout the city through Dec. 17.

In its mission to deliver a message of hope and motivate children to become productive, responsible, patriotic citizens, the program distributes thousands of toys to children in need each year through local churches and neighborhood centers.

Toys for Tots also works with numerous nonprofits and community organizations such as the Gospel Rescue Mission, La Frontera Arizona and Casa de los Niños.

Diaz, who has helped with the toy drive since 2003, finds it both stressful and rewarding. He said that while he worries about collecting enough toys to meet increased need due to ongoing economic struggles, the good will that he witnesses on the part of volunteers and donors is very motivating.

"Every year you see that these kids are truly grateful for what they are getting, even if it is just a small gift. And sometimes you see a kid who will use their personal allowance to buy a gift for a kid they don't know or a kid who donates birthday gifts to the program and it just builds that good human spirit that is out there," he said.

While donations have been slow to date, Diaz said he is looking for a late rush.

"I think people are focusing on their own families and hopefully once they fulfill those needs, they will donate more … in desperate times people come together, and as we have seen this year with the tragedy in Tucson, people come together when needed for a good cause."

How to help

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program

Toys for Tots is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 17 at locations throughout Pima County, including branches of Bank of America and Chase Bank, as well as Bruegger's Bagels, U-Store-It facilities and Sleep America stores.

Donations are also accepted at Walmart and Toys "R" Us.

For a complete list of donation sites or to make a contribution online, go to tucson-az.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.asp or call Sgt. Miguel Angel Diaz at 245-3641.

Ramon Gonzales' Miracle on 31st Street Christmas Party

Over the past four decades, this event has evolved from Ramon Gonzales' backyard party for neighborhood kids in South Tucson to a community celebration for about 10,000 children at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium (formerly Tucson Electric Park) featuring food, entertainment and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus by helicopter, weather permitting.

As of Nov. 30, there were only 25 days left in which to collect 20,000 toys for the children who will attend festivities from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24 at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2500 E. Ajo Way.

"This is one day a year when these kids can feel like someone cares for them. I think the community will come through with toy donations. They have come through for 40 years and I believe they will again," Gonzales said.

Toy donations or cash contributions are welcome at Gonzales' home, 2019 W. Ajo Way, Tucson 85713. For more information, contact Gonzales at 883-5805 or 971-8271.

The Shyann Kindness Project

The Shyann Kindness Project is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys to benefit 200 low-income children and their families at a Christmas Party at Los Niños Elementary School on Dec. 17. Toys are also needed for the Kindness Gift Giving Program, which provides toys, books and gifts for underprivileged children at local elementary schools throughout the year.

Donations will be accepted through Jan. 2 at these locations:

• Tucson-area Starbucks (except those in Target and grocery stores)

• Pro-Cuts, 4594 E. Broadway, 2500 N. Silverbell Road, No. 130; and 2955 W. Valencia Road, No. 141

• Northwestern Mutual, 1760 E. River Road, Ste. 247

• Pilate-cally Correct, 7844 E. Wrightstown Road

• Pima Uniforms, 3760 S. Park Ave., Ste. C

• UPS Store, 120 S. Houghton Road, Ste. 138

• Wallace Physical Therapy, 5501 N. Oracle Road, Ste. 101

Donations of toys, food and gently used clothes and household items will also be accepted at the UPS Store at 9121 E. Tanque Verde Road.

For more information, go to www.shyannkindness.org or call 271-9565.

Contact freelance writer Loni Nannini at ninch2@comcast.net