By Kathy Chouteau
The holiday spirit is alive and well as House of Loving Hands (HOLH) prepares to host its annual “Christmas Toy Giveaway” Sunday, Dec. 21 from noon to 3 p.m. at CoBiz Richmond, 1503 Macdonald Ave., Suite A.
The nonprofit, led by Founder Deneshia Clemons, will be “adopting” 150 children this season, offering them a celebration complete with gifts, arts & crafts, lunch and a visit from Santa Claus. But to make the season bright for local kids ages 0-18, donations are urgently needed, both financial gifts and new, unwrapped toys.
“It puts a smile on the kids’ faces,” said Clemons of the age-appropriate toy giveaway. “The kids light up.”
Families attending the Christmas Toy Giveaway can anticipate a festive and fun-filled experience. Along with gift-giving, the event will feature a cookie decorating station, arts and crafts tables with holiday-themed projects, a hot chocolate bar, face painting and a photo booth offering digital keepsakes. Guests will also enjoy a hearty lunch, with the event’s highlight being a special visit from Santa Claus.
Families can begin signing up starting Nov. 1. To register, contact either Toni Stewart at 415-845-9128 or LaShawn Limbrick at 214-801-4191. Clemons emphasized that families must sign-up in advance—walk-ins are not accepted. While the event primarily serves Richmond families, children from surrounding areas are welcome as long as long as they register in advance and attend. HOLH asks that families wear masks, bring an ID and kindly be on time.
How to donate
House of Loving Hands is seeking new, unwrapped toys for children 0-18 years old. Gifts can be donated by calling 510-730-1162 to set up a drop-off or pick-up time. “Some people prefer to donate something tangible,” Clemons said. “We’ll take it, we just want the kids to feel loved.”
Financial donations to support the charitable event can be made via Venmo: @HOLH2028; PayPal: dclemons1205@yahoo.com; Zelle: (510) 375-9916; and HOLH’s website.
Clemons shared that families begin reaching out early to get on the list. “I don’t want anyone to feel left out,” she said. “This event is about community, compassion and making sure every child feels special.”
Local companies and others stepping up to support the annual Christmas Toy Giveaway include: CoBiz, Phila Burger, The Factory Bar, Resource Pathways, Bayer Healthcare LLC, Toys for Tots, Zeta Phi Beta, Guillermo Saballos, 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center and the Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter of DST.