Toledo Reporter

The annual Joys of Toys' toy drive is now in full swing, set to continue through Dec. 22. Organized by City of Toledo employees Paul Cooper and Mike Kimble, the drive provides gifts for children living in foster care, with relatives, or under the supervision of Lucas County Children Services.

The generosity of donors is crucial in making this holiday season brighter for children who may not otherwise experience the joy of unwrapping a present.

Reflecting on a decade of giving back, Paul Cooper, from the City of Toledo fleet operations, and Mike Kimble, from the City of Toledo's department of transportation, have been the driving force behind The Joys of Toys' toy drive, which evolved from a humble start into the Gift of Joy initiative.

Cooper, who started the toy drive ten years ago, shared his passion for ensuring that every child feels special and loved during the holiday season. "It's a way for us to give back to the community because we not only live here, we work here, and we want to support the community," Cooper said. "I really love it. We can make a real difference in the lives of children who are in need."

Recognizing the growing impact and need for support, Cooper enlisted the help of his friend, Mike Kimble, who echoed his sentiments. Kimble, drawing from his own childhood experiences, hopes every child will experience the joy of receiving a gift during the holiday season. “There are too many kids in the system that don’t have anything,” Cooper said. “No child should go without—especially at Christmas.”

Last year's Joys of Toys' drive raised an impressive $3,500, enabling the purchase of around 1,200 toys. Combined with toy donations, Cooper and Kimble distributed approximately 1,500 gifts to children in need.

Both Cooper and Kimble attribute the success of the initiative to the incredible generosity of organizations and residents who have consistently contributed their time, money, and toys to brighten a child's Christmas.

“Last year, someone anonymously dropped off five bicycles for the kids at my office," Cooper said.

With tear-filled eyes, Cooper reminisced about the overwhelming support witnessed at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet last year as he unloaded cart after cart of toys, bound for checkout. "When these children get their toys, I think they're going to be amazed," Cooper said. "I look forward to this every year. It gives me such a good feeling inside."

As the 10th annual toy drive approaches, the organizers are gearing up for a day of impact on Dec. 7 when all collected donations will be dropped off at WTOL 11. In a touching tradition, the day before the drop-off, Kimble, along with fellow organizers, embark on a shopping spree at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, ensuring that every dollar raised is transformed into presents for the children.

"The first year, we had about $700 or $800 donated, but each year it has gotten better,” Kimble said. “Last year, the toy drive experienced an outpouring of generosity, accumulating nearly $4,000 to be spent on toys for the children.”

"It’s 100% about the children. It’s a fun thing, and this is our 10th year, so we have been trying to make this the best year ever," Kimble said.

The organizers employ creative fundraising efforts, including a raffle with prizes like a 7-day stay in a 5-star condo anywhere in the continental United States, a Cuisinart 28-inch rectangular griddle, and an Android watch. Gift cards from local bars and restaurants are also collected to add an extra layer of joy to the raffle winners.

The Joys of Toys' Toy Drive extends its impact by partnering with local businesses such as Bubba’s 33 and Buff City Soap. Bubba’s 33, located at 3534 Secor Road, has joined hands with The Joys for Toys by offering a free large pizza for every toy brought in for the drive.

For Mike Kimble, this mission is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences of waking up to little or nothing on Christmas morning. "I know what it is like to wake up at Christmas with little or nothing," Kimble said. His firsthand understanding of the impact of a gift on a child's Christmas morning fuels his dedication to ensuring that no child faces the disappointment of an empty holiday.

Kimble and Cooper, said that their efforts are not driven by recognition or awards; their sole motivation is the joy they can bring to the children they serve.

As The Joys of Toys' Toy Drive reaches this significant 10-year milestone, the organizers, alongside the community, are poised to make this holiday season the most memorable one yet for the children under the care of Lucas County Children Services. In the spirit of giving, they invite everyone to join in the celebration of a decade of generosity and compassion.

Original source can be found here.