Smiles and laughter abounded as families crowded into a room decked with festive Christmas decorations. Nativity creches scattered throughout the hall reminded all of the reason for the season.
Mother of Light Center, a nonprofit in Alexandria, held a toy giveaway at St. Rita School in Alexandria Dec. 16-17. In the weeks prior to the event, the center collected toy donations from churches in the diocese and through an Amazon wishlist. More than 1,000 toys, 193 gift cards and dozens of food items were donated. Pauline Books and Media in Alexandria and InspireLit, a nonprofit in Alexandria, donated more than 500 books. More than 70 volunteers helped coordinate and run the giveaway.
Students from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria donned Santa hats, reindeer antlers and elf hats to welcome families and assist them with “shopping” for toys. Some students brought family members to help out.
John and Elizabeth Gill joined their son Max, 17, to volunteer at the Dec. 16 giveaway.
“We started last year at this Christmas setup, and we loved the whole idea, so we went back as a family to try and do something throughout the year,” Elizabeth said.
“I like doing this because it makes me feel good, and I like seeing the kids smile and be so happy,” Max added.
The center has hosted the giveaway since 2019 and serves more than 1,500 families. During the last two years, the toy drive has been held at St. Rita School with a larger capacity to host more families. In the weeks prior to the giveaway, families in need are selected from the center’s client database. If a family cannot attend the giveaway, the center organizes a later time to distribute toys.
Matilde Alvarado, coordinator of the toy giveaway, said that giving to families at Christmas not only brings joy to others but also helps donors and volunteers spiritually prepare for Christ’s coming.
“It is a time that we receive blessings,” she said, “and the family can begin to build in their hearts the crib of Jesus, so he can dwell in their hearts (during) this time of harmony, festivity, joy and welcoming hospitality.”
This story has been updated.
