WATSONVILLE — On Thursday morning, a large delivery truck made its way into Watsonville’s industrial zone and prepared to unload. While not an uncommon site in the area, the truck’s contents were unique.
It was full to the brim of toy cars.
“This is so exciting,” said Toys for Tots coordinator Delilah Valadez. “Being here to see them arrive … it’s a really fun moment.”
Back in March, Toys for Tots was contacted by Santa Cruz-based toy company ThoughtFull Toys. A Kickstarter campaign had begun at the company to gather donations for the organization.
Enough money to donate more than 2,500 toy cars has so far been collected.
“This is an awesome gift,” said Matt Ryan, chair of Toys for Tots and captain of Watsonville Fire Department. “We’re so grateful to [ThoughtFull Toys] and everyone else who helped out.”
Ryan was on hand at Thursday’s drop off, along with Valadez and Tony Kulich, president of Central Electric Company. Kulich drove the forklift and unloaded the five pallets himself.
“Toys for Tots has always been a community effort,” Valadez said. “So many amazing people in the area have come together to make it work.”
The car sets, created by ThoughtFull Toys, are made of 100 percent sustainable, recycled or reclaimed material and are built to be long-lasting. According to the company, they use real mechanics and allow children of all ages to construct the vehicle themselves before use.
“It’s a really unique toy,” Valadez said. “We’re very excited to hand these out.”
Valadez has been with Toys for Tots for 29 years, as long as the organization has had a presence in Santa Cruz County. She helped start up the faction along with founder Don French.
She said it was important that the community knew Toys for Tots is not just active in December.
“We are often associated with Christmas and the holiday season,” she said. “But we are here all-year-round, working to find donations and public support.”
For information about the campaign, visit modarri.com or Santa Cruz County Toys for Tots’ Facebook page.
