Unity in Christ Ministries Faces Toy Drive Crisis After Donor Backtracks

On Friday, a church in the Inland Empire looked for a Christmas miracle after a delivery of toys, which the group was expecting to hand out to children Saturday, was canceled. Billy Davis, pastor of Unity in Christ Ministries, said a private donor, who previously promised hundreds of toys for Saturday’s toy drive, informed him that the promise of toy donations will not be kept. The pastor did not provide additional details, but his church scrambled to get enough gifts for 300 families who were expected to attend Saturday’s event. “We already have 300 people signed up. so it’s 300 but we only have 100 toys. What do we do?” Davis said.

The Scale of the Event

The annual event has gathered families across the Inland Empire for several years, helping families enjoy the day with music, games, food and free gifts. Last year, the church served some 200 families. But the list of people who wanted to attend the toy drive grew this year. The growth reflects the community’s growing need and the church’s expanding reach.

Community Effort

In response to the sudden shortfall, a few members and organizations from the community have come forward to help over the last few hours, filling up toy boxes for kids of all ages. Veronica McDaniel, a member of the church, shared the emotional impact of the effort. “We also service some in hotels (for families) that are homeless,” she said. “Their faces are lit up, and that keeps us going – their faces and how grateful (they are) for what we do.”

Pastor’s Leadership

Pastor Billy Davis has taken a proactive stance, urging the congregation to remain resilient. He emphasized that the church is scrambling to secure enough gifts and that every contribution matters. His leadership during this crisis underscores the importance of community solidarity and faith in action.

Call to Action

The church is asking for donations on the church’s website and encourages people to drop off toys and other items at the parish on Alessandro Boulevard near Perris Blvd. By making donations online or physically, community members can help ensure that every child receives a gift and that the spirit of giving endures.

The Spirit of the Event

The event’s heart lies in its inclusive atmosphere—music, games, food, and free gifts that bring families together. The church’s commitment to serving both local families and homeless families in nearby hotels reflects a broader mission of compassion. As the community rallies, the event remains a testament to the power of generosity and faith.

Key Takeaways

• A private donor backed out, leaving the toy drive short of supplies.
• 300 families were expected to attend, but only 100 toys were available.
• Community members and organizations stepped in to fill toy boxes and support families.

The situation underscores the resilience of the community and the enduring spirit of giving that defines Unity in Christ Ministries’ annual Christmas celebration.