Restoration Center’s Annual Toy Drive Brings Joy and Support to Old Town Victorville
For some, the holidays may bring joy and cheer, but for others facing financial hardships, the holidays can be a reminder of what is missing. Community efforts like the Restoration SDA Group’s (Restoration Center) toy drive are a vital source of hope and support.
Old Town Victorville may be known for its economic challenges; however, the Restoration Center congregation refuses to be content with simply attending church services. Instead, they have committed themselves to making a tangible difference in the lives of their community. Seventeen years ago, the group’s annual toy drive began with a $500 donation from church member Charles Davis and Kendall White, pastor of Restoration Center. Over time, the toy drive has flourished with the support of sponsors to become a cornerstone for families in need.
This year’s effort distributed more than 300 toys to children from 96 low-income families. Parents also received baby clothes, diapers, and food bags courtesy of High Desert New Beginnings, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in San Bernardino County. The event was held in partnership with Yvonne Telgt-McKinney, family medicine doctor from Cal Choice Family Practice; Toys for Tots U.S. Marine Corps in Barstow; and Walgreens store #9254 in Victorville.
“We wanted to help our community since our church is in a lower socioeconomic area,” explained Ida White. “This event caters to parents who would struggle to provide toys for their children.” She recounted the story of a mother recently released from jail who was deeply moved that her children would have gifts despite her circumstances.
Volunteers ensured that every detail was handled, from distributing toys to serving meals. Beyond material support, the group also provided spiritual support, offering prayer, Bible studies, and Signs of the Times pamphlets to families.
“The most inspiring part is seeing the children’s faces as they choose their toys,” said Corinth Davis, a member of the group. “This event helps the parents know in these trying times that the church is here to help.”
For Restoration Center, this toy drive represents more than charity. It is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, reminding struggling families that the church is here to uplift and support them, especially in challenging times.
By Taji Saleem
kids konnect
The Kindness Jar
In a quiet neighborhood, seven-year-old Sammy discovered an old glass jar hidden in the corner of the garage. Covered in dust, it shimmered when he lifted it into the sunlight. Sammy’s imagination sparked. “This could be my treasure jar,” he thought, picturing all the special things he could fill it with.
That evening, Sammy eagerly told his mom about the jar. “What kind of treasure should I put in it?” he asked. His mom smiled. “Why not make it a kindness jar? You can add something each time you do something kind.”
The next day, Sammy noticed Mia, a shy girl in his class, drop her crayons. Without hesitation, he rushed over to help her gather them up. She smiled, and Sammy felt warm inside. When he got home, he added a shiny pebble to his jar. “One act of kindness,” he whispered.
Over the next few days, Sammy’s jar began to fill. A pebble went in after he held the door open for his neighbor. A coin was added for helping his little sister with her math homework, and a button for including a new kid in their soccer game at recess.
One rainy afternoon, Sammy saw an older boy struggling to fix his bike chain. Without thinking, he ran over to help. The boy smiled and thanked him.
When Sammy got home, he added another pebble to the jar. Looking at it, almost full, he grinned, eager to show his mom.
“Wow!” she exclaimed. “You know, there’s a Bible verse that says, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ It’s from Matthew 25:40. It means when we’re kind to others, it’s like we’re being kind to Jesus.” Sammy thought for a moment, then smiled. “So every time I help someone, I’m helping Jesus too?”
“Exactly,” his mom replied. “Just like that jar fills up with kindness, your heart will grow with love when you show kindness to others.” Sammy’s eyes lit up. “I want to fill my jar with lots of kindness!”
For Sammy, it wasn’t about the treasures inside—it was about the small acts of love that made others feel cared for.
By Taji Saleem
