Another Way’s Toy Drive designed specifically for children ...

Another Way's Toy Drive designed specifically for children with special needs Toy Drive returns to bring joy to children across the Inland Empire

San Bernardino, CA: On Wednesday, December 14, 2016 Santa, Frosty and numerous elves brought the magic of the holidays to Club Center events in San Bernardino. Another Way's Toy Drive is a unique event because it is a toy drive specifically for children who have disabling conditions such as epilepsy, autism, down's syndrome, and cerebral palsy. Children's siblings are also included in the joyous occasion as they play a huge role in caring for their brother or sister. Activities included Breakfast with Frosty, Pictures with Santa, Caricature Artist, Cookies, Stockings, Games, Music, and an Awards Ceremony.

Presents are selected with the child's abilities in mind. For example, a boy with Autism might request a toy that makes sounds or is tactile or a 12 year-old-girl with down's syndrome may ask for a baby doll. The presents are then wrapped and distributed at the Toy Drive. Care is taken to ensure decorations are appropriate. The elves refrained from lighting up the present station due to the lights flickering, which can cause seizures in some children. Santa and his photographers are extremely patient with the children. For many it's their first picture with Santa and sometimes they become overwhelmed by the colors and festivities. It is also difficult for children with disabilities to wait in long lines at the mall. They can become agitated and frustrated before they even reach Santa. We have a number system in place to help avoid this.

All families who attend the event are low income and some have told us that "this is not only their child's first Santa photo. It is their first family photo." The holidays can be a challenging time for families who have children with disabilities. Oftentimes, the cost of caring for the child and providing the proper therapy or medical equipment needed can put a strain on the families' finances making it difficult to pay for extras such as Christmas presents. A report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research found, "People with disabilities account for a larger share of those experiencing poverty than people in all other minority, ethnic and racial groups combined and are even a larger group than single parents."

Recognizing this the cost to attend the event is free to families. The day is made possible through the generosity of Local Sponsors and Supporters that include In-Roads, Pathway, Inc., Creating a Legacy, and the Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. Presents were provided by Ingram Micro, Schneider, Premier Home Health Care, Inland Regional Center Staff, and Board and SoCal Air-cooled.

In addition to the listed Sponsors, Sandals Church was recognized as an honored guest. Last December Another Way's Toy Drive had been cancelled due to the terrorist attack that happened at Inland Regional Center on December 2nd, 2015. Sandals Church stepped and provided facilities free of charge to Another Way allowing staff to distribute presents to children in need.

About Another Way Another Way's mission is to Improve the quality of life and promote independence and inclusion in society for intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals and their families living in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Another Way serves over 1,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities each year through its unmet basic needs and grant programs, food, and toy drives. For more information contact Andrea Gonzales at 909-890-3045.

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