On December 17th, toys were dropped off to the UCSF Pediatric Ward for our annual toy drive. This year marks the 13th year that St. John Church has participated in a toy drive. We have donated over $15,000 in toys over those years. This tradition was started by our own junior ACYO and has grown to include our parish and community. The ACYO would hold dances and fundraisers including bake sales to raise money for the toy drive. We would also receive generous donations from parishioners like you to help support the toy drive.

This year we dropped off the toys at the hospital’s new location at Mission Bay. This new campus is a lot larger and is up to date with the latest technology to help many more children than they did before. The nurses at UCSF tells us that these donated toys make the children staying at the hospital during the holidays feel a little bit better. This also eases the parents mind about finding gifts for their children at Christmas. The parents can focus on being there for their children while the hospital can give that special gift to their child. Every child is entitled to feel the joy of Christmas no matter what circumstance they are in.

This toy drive would not be possible without all our parishioners and communities help over the past 13 years. We thank you for your continued and generous support in this worthy cause and hope to continue the toy drive for many years. Thank you again and God bless!

Submitted by Charles Cherezian