An Inland Empire church Friday looked for a Christmas miracle after a delivery of toys, which the group was expecting to hand out to children Saturday, was canceled.
Billy Davis, pastor of Unity in Christ Ministries, said a private donor, who previously promised hundreds of toys for Saturday’s toy drive, informed him that the promise of toy donations will not be kept.
The pastor did not provide additional details, but his church scrambled to get enough gifts for 300 families who were expected to attend Saturday’s event.
“We already have 300 people signed up. so it’s 300 but we only have 100 toys. What do we do?” Davis said.
The annual event has gathered families across the Inland Empire for several years, helping families enjoy the day with music, games, food and free gifts. Last year, the church served some 200 families. But the list of people who wanted to attend the toy drive grew this year.
A few members and organizations from the community have come forward to help over the last few hours, filling up toy boxes for kids of all ages.
“We also service some in hotels (for families) that are homeless,” said Veronica McDaniel, a member of the church. “Their faces are lit up, and that keeps us going – their faces and how grateful (they are) for what we do.”
The church is asking for donations on the church’s website and encourage people to drop off toys and other items at the parish on Alessandro Boulevard near Perris Blvd.
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