Coachella Valley Rescue Mission gives out toys to first come first serve

A line of cars filled with many grateful children rolled through the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission for their annual toy giveaway.

“This has been a tradition with the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission for many many many years,” Scott Wolf, the development director for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) told News Channel 3.

A tradition he says he was glad was able to continue this year despite being in the middle of a pandemic.

“2020 has been a little unusual so we’ve had to change how we do things for our toy drive," Wolf said.

This year, families drove through and waited in their cars while volunteers loaded them up with toys.

“And so far it’s working really well," he said. "We’ve been able to serve thousands so far and we’re just going to keep serving toys to kids that deserve it in our community until we run out," Wolf added.

“This means a lot especially with COVID and everything it’s a blessing for the kids," Sylvia a mother waiting in line for toys for her children told News Channel 3.

“Looking into their eyes, the parents, the kids it’s joy, it’s Christmas, it feels like Christmas, it’s a drive through Christmas!" Jeanette Austin, one of the volunteers said.

Even Santa Claus was there to bring Christmas cheer to the kids while they waited in their cars.

“I’m so thankful the community was able to in a time of this pandemic to be able to show up with so many wonderful gifts,” Austin said.

“The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission can’t do what it does without the support of the community so an event like this is all based on community support so on behalf of the rescue mission and everyone we serve I just want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all of our supports,” Wolf said.