SAN FRANCISCO On Saturday, over 10,000 people from all across the Bay Area came to Chase Center for a day of free Christmas toys, ice skating, and arts and crafts.
Families were reportedly waiting outside as early as 11:30 a.m. for “Joy to the City” to start at 2 p.m., according to organizers.
“As a family, let us go do something. Why not, when it’s essentially free? Maria Martinez, who was present, told CBS News Bay Area, “There’s nothing to lose.”
This year, kids may also select a Christmas present to bring home.
“We enjoy having movie nights at home, and using this popcorn popper makes it much simpler. It’s also excellent. Amorha Moore, who went to the event with her family, declared, “I like popcorn.”
This year, Assemblymember Matt Haney and Code Tenderloin collaborated to provide ‘Joy to the City.’
Here, we’re fostering a sense of community. This goes beyond a single organization or neighborhood. It’s for all San Francisco residents,” Haney said to CBS News Bay Area.
“We went out and purchased the toys after raising the necessary funds over the past year. The toys are wonderful. Sometimes a child receives a toy that they didn’t desire. In this case, people can genuinely select the toy they desire,” he continued.
According to Haney, they gathered almost 7,000 items for the occasion this year. His goal is to support families who have been having financial difficulties in particular.
“A lot of families, notably those in San Francisco, place a high value on toys. They don’t have enough to support their children. Therefore, we must all unite,” Haney stated.
Ambassadors from the neighborhood engagement initiative Code Tenderloin stated they have been anticipating this event for the entire year.
“Wow, it’s been incredible. With all of these youngsters playing with their favorite toys, it’s been really hectic. Ambassador Matthew Vowles told CBS News Bay Area, “It’s really cool.”
There is much more to this enjoyable and joyous festival than merely giving away free toys, according to the organizers. They underlined that anything helps during this holiday season, as over 1.4 million individuals in the Bay Area live in poverty.
“When there are families and kids during the holiday season who are not taken care of, that’s all of our responsibility,” Haney stated.
“Many people are going through difficult circumstances. In all honesty, I would have contributed much more to this if I had known much earlier. However, I see a lot of children who are struggling financially and whose parents are unable to support them. Additionally, actions like this have a significant impact,” Martinez stated.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.