Maricopa Fire Department toy drive sparks grassroots support

Every movement starts with a good idea, and, for Maricopa Fire Department officials, a toy drive and distribution effort is a way children can feel the generous spirit of the Christmas season.

This is the first year of what organizers are calling “Share the Hope,” an effort to collect new toy donations for distribution to less fortunate children in nearby communities.

“We have many dedicated and generous people living in Maricopa,” said Pastor Rusty Akers of Community of Hope Church, and chaplain for the fire department.

“Being the chaplain at MFD, I went to them to see if they could become the distribution arm for the toys, and the fire chiefs were all in total agreement that this would be a great thing for the community,” he said.

Maricopa Fire Department Capt. Scott Lavender, Desert Sun Performing Arts owner Ceylan Gentilellia, Chamber of Commerce Director Terri Kingery and MFD Chaplain Rusty Akers are getting the Share the Hope Toy Drive off the ground in a grassroots effort to make a difference in children’s lives this year.

It did not take long for word to get out and take off in what Akers describes as a grassroots effort. It spread through the chamber of commerce, church members, moms’ groups and local businesses.

“We got involved to serve the community,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terri Kingery.

Kingery has been instrumental in getting the word out to businesses about the organization of this event. “There are a lot of businesses out there who can really help to make this event a success, and we are trying to get the word out,” she said.

One such business that has stepped up is Desert Sun Performing Arts, which is holding a special drive this weekend in support of Share the Hope. When a child brings in a new toy donation, they can get a free photo with Santa Claus courtesy of Amy Jamieson Photography.

Ceylan Gentilella teaches more than dance as she poses for a photo with her students in support of the Share the Hope Toy Drive this weekend. Children donating new toys at her studio this weekend will get a free photo with santa courtesy of Amy Jamieson Photography.

DSPA owner Ceylan Gentilella has made it a personal mission to get involved in this year’s toy drive.

“For me to be able to give to someone who has nothing is a gift itself,” said Gentilella.

Gentilella said she remembers what it was like raised by a single mother and not having much. And, with her mother’s death this year, she said she wants to live up to her mother’s expectations and live a life of giving.

“I’m always looking for a place to make a difference,” she said. “I did this to get involved in the community.”

It is this kind of commitment that Akers said will make a difference in the success of this call to action.

“It’s amazing how it just seemed to pick up steam in a hurry,” Akers said. “I am really proud of this community for stepping up to help out during the Christmas season; we all hope that with some planning this can become a annual event,” Akers said.

For those interested in making a new toy donation, Desert Sun Performing Arts will be holding their toy drive Saturday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 19756 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite 113.

Unwrapped toys will also be collected at the fire department administration offices at 44624 W. Garvey Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 22. They ask for donors to be cautious of emergency vehicles and helicopters when entering their property and to park out of the path of emergency vehicles.

Distribution of the toys will take place Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rotary Park. One toy per child per family will be distributed. Any remaining toys will be taken to neighboring communities such as Hidden Valley for donation.

Photo by Carolyn Struble