More than 500 toys were distributed to children whose families have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in East Elmhurst Sunday afternoon.
First Baptist Church, Pastor Patrick Young and Councilman Francisco Moya hosted a Christmas holiday blessing along with the free toy distribution as children interacted and took pictures with Santa Claus and enjoyed holiday music.
“This event is not just about giving away toys; it’s about uplifting the spirit of children and their families that were impacted the hardest by the pandemic. I am grateful to Pastor Young whose dedication is a beacon of hope every week during our food distributions and events like this that make a difference in our community,” Moya said. “Today 500 toys were distributed thanks in partnership to First Baptist Church, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Pazer, Jaffe & Fein.”
The event has become a holiday tradition in East Elmhurst.
“We started this 10 years ago and this holiday season was even more important to do something for the kids in our community. We want to show children that there’s a light of hope and Christmas can come even in dark times,” Pastor Young said. “I’m grateful for our First Baptist Church congregation and Keica Edwards, Council Member Francisco for his support and leadership, and all our volunteers, as well as our partners Empire BlueCross BlueShield, and Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein who made this toy giveaway possible,”
This was the second of a series of toy distributions Moya has sponsored this holiday season to bring some Christmas cheer to families during the coronavirus crisis. Moya worked with the East Elmhurst Corona Civic Association to distribute toys to schools and families on Dec. 12 at Southern Baptist Church in East Elmhurst.
