Community Brings Holiday Joy with Toy Donations at Annual Service League Event
Published 7:00 pm Friday, December 6, 2024
Grace Hernandez of 'Free State Cellars" makes her donation for the Angel Tree Program. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
Toy Coffee attendees get a first rate tour of the Hunt's home. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
The Service League of Orange eagerly awaits the start of "Toy Coffee.” (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
Santa welcomes the West Orange Student Council to the "Toy Coffee" toy drive. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
Santa dances to merry music from the Salvation Army Texas Divisional Music and Arts Staff. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
Orangefield High School students join in on Santa's rendition of "Where's Waldo" before their turn to tour the home of Bruce and Robin Hunt. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
Volunteers load bags full of toys for "Angel Tree Kids.” (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
During the Toy Coffee event previous owner of the home for 58 years, Curtis Jeanis, revisits the house with his wife Jane Jeanis while reliving fond memories of days past. (Randy Strong/Special to The Orange Leader)
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By Randy Strong
Special to The Orange Leader
Bruce and Robin Hunt opened their hearts and home Thursday as Orange County residents showed their support for the Service League of Orange’s 68th annual “Toy Coffee” gift drive.
Cars, trucks and school buses filled the streets surrounding the event throughout the day as county residents of all ages brought donations of toys, ranging from dolls and games to Legos, toy cars and Nerf guns. In addition to donating, attendees enjoyed touring the beautifully decorated home, sipping hot coffee, nibbling on Christmas cookies, and enjoying fresh Domino’s pizza. Santa made a special appearance for photos, while the Salvation Army band filled the air with festive Christmas music.
Partnering with the Salvation Army of Orange, the Service League of Orange’s goal is to bring some holiday joy to families in need.
“We assist the Salvation Army by providing toys for children in our community who might otherwise not find anything under the tree,” said Emily Mellen, president of the Service League of Orange. Mellen also noted that last year’s Toy Coffee event attracted 400 people, and they hope to exceed that this year. All toys and proceeds will go to the Salvation Army of Orange for its Angel Tree Program.
