The Original Clip Joint partners with Toys for Tots this holiday season

Details

The joyful toy drive took place Nov 8th – Dec 12th at both of our locations in Covina and San Dimas.

The OG clip joint had the opportunity to collect close to 100 new and unwrapped toys. It was our first annual toy drive of many to come and a success it was. All thanks to our generous and loving community of neighbors, family and friends.

Mission
The mission of the program is to collect new and unwrapped toys for children in need. Delivering a message of hope to those less fortunate and inspiring, love connection and community all at the same time.
History
Toys for tots began here in our hometown of Los Angeles CA in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR. Inspired by his wife who wanted to donate handmade toys to children and found that there was not an organization who provided that. Bill set out to create team around him and in partnership with Walt Disney animators, Warner bros studios, Nat King Cole AND many other volunteers. Toys for Tots was created and since then has become one of Forbes top charitable causes.

Fun Fact
Toys for tots did not always collect new toys on the contrary until 1979 Toys for Tots collected used toys for Marine reservists to refurbish. In my opinion making them real life elves or modern day Santas helpers.
The Experience
The experience was one of joy and delightful surprises. To start off my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Sergeant Emley who served as this year’s coordinator for Toys for Tots Los Angeles County North Pasadena. He was very helpful and a pleasure to work with. Sgt Emley later visited our Covina location for a haircut with Alex Lawlor. The following day to Alex’s surprise as she watched her favorite news cast KTLA she saw the haircut that she had just done for Sgt Emley on TV.
I also got to experience the true essence of being charitable and having goodwill towards others. How it builds community and opportunity for discovery. A notable moment was watching one of my colleagues walk in with two bags filled with toys gleaming with a big smile on her face. She shared her experience of how easy and affordable it was to pick up a few items to donate on her way to work. The pay off was sweet I would say.

As for myself, what I hold dear in my heart is being of service to others and most important to children. It’s my way of showing gratitude to the universe. I’m most grateful for those who were there for my brother and I growing up. I understood that it took a village to raise us. From my grandmother to our neighbors. Some fond memories I have are of a dear friend and neighbor who helped raise my brother and I. She taught me many things and most importantly she taught me to be selfless. She gave us her time, and wisdom with no expectations of anything in return. It’s times like this that I think of raising hope for those less fortunate for one day they will raise hope and they will rejoice in their communities as well. After all you can’t be human all by yourself, and what we do affects the world. So why not affect it in a good way?!
-Jasmine Chavez

-Written by our very own Owner Jasmine Chavez