|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
It’s been an annual tradition for the Portola Valley Hardware and Feed store to participate in the Toys for Tots Christmas drive but the amount of donations received this holiday season reached new heights. This year, local contracting company Blue J Construction donated nearly $5,000 worth of toys.
Donations have grown modestly since Portola Valley Hardware started collecting toys in 2017, said Stig Nybo, co-owner of the store. Every year, the owners host a holiday party in the parking lot inviting the community to drop off toys and buy toys from the hardware store to donate. This year, a hundred attendees enjoyed homemade eggnog, carolers and holiday cheer.
Neil Gomoluh, the owner of Blue J Construction, has been participating in the toy drive since 2023. He donated about $300 worth of toys the first year but set a goal to collect more every following year. Last year, he got his construction crew involved and was able to give about $900 in toys.
“I told the guys this year, I said my goal is to double it,” said Gomoluh, not expecting to accomplish beyond his goal.
In preparation for the drive, Gomoluh started collecting toys around September, taking advantage of holiday sales and special deals to buy as many toys as possible. This year, he got his clients involved, encouraged them to donate and boosted total donations by hundreds of dollars, he said.
On the day of the party, Gomoluh drove up to the store with a truckload of toys.
“We had so many toys and when we pulled up all the people there came over and helped us unload the truck,” he said. “I wish I could see these kids’ faces when they get the toys because we tried hard to get some really fun gifts.”
Growing up, Gomoluh’s family welcomed many foster children into their home, many of whom came to live with them around the holidays. His parents would always make sure that every child under their roof had a present to open for Christmas.
“We were taught growing up that you have to always give and make sure you always give and be kind to others,” he said.
Nybo and his business partner Richard Crevelt took over the hardware store in 2017 and were inspired by the Woodside Fire Protection District’s toy drive and decided to turn it into a more community-oriented gathering. Rather than having people drop off toys in a designated box, the hardware store wanted to create a space where they could generate toy donations and encourage people to participate.
On the evening of the party, people bring their own toys, but the hardware store also has a stock of its own that partygoers can purchase at a discounted price and contribute to the drive. Afterwards, the toys are handed off to the local firefighters who distribute the toys.
“Both Richard and I have a strong inclination to do well by doing good and that has always resonated with both of us,” said Nybo. “So it’s fun to see the community gather, have some fun and do some good for humanity.”
