The 14th Annual Victor Ghirra Toy Drive takes place this Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Riverside Banquet Halls in east Richmond.
From noon to 3 p.m., the drive-thru event at 14500 River Rd. will follow all pandemic safety rules and will collect unwrapped toys in aid of sick kids and those in poverty.
Organizers are asking people to bring an unwrapped gift and get a picture taken (in their car) in a “Winter Wonderland.”
At the end of the day, they will be doing their annual “grand toy count” before distributing the gifts before Christmas.
Over the last 13 years, the event has gathered more than 40,000 toys for children in need across more than a dozen good causes.
The toy drive started in 2007, when Ghirra passed away suddenly, leaving behind his wife and four young sons.
It was only after his passing that his family members found out he had been, for years, quietly buying thousands of dollars’ worth of toys for Children’s Hospital at Christmas time.
Not long afterwards, the late Ghirra was then dubbed Richmond's "Secret Santa," as it became apparent from the hospital that he never took credit for his donations and wanted to remain anonymous.
