2020 was all about mastering the art of "the pivot". Through this unforeseeable global pandemic that altered all of our lives, we've learned to adjust and adapt in order to continue forward.
Initially when we planned for a holiday toy drive, we envisioned a one that resembled a cookout block party complete with a DJ and face-painting for the kids, but that vision could not materialize at a time when COVID infection rates were growing at alarming rates. While this was the case, I didn't want to abandon the toy drive completely.
So I came up with an idea that would still allow folx to donate safely and contact-free by changing the toy drive to a toy drive thru. And, Pasadena did not disappoint. We were able to collect nearly $1,000 worth of toy donations, which we donated to Five Acres youth group home. It was a complete privilege to break past unexpected barriers and support at-risk youth in our local community.