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The City Church Activity Night Annual Toy Giveaway, a night to assist those in need during the holiday season, was a huge success on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at St. Anthony’s on Liberty Street in Batavia.
Every child received a gift or two that attended the event, organizers said. There were even 30 bicycles that were given away to children that needed or wanted a bike. Pastor Ryan Macdonald, the lead pastor of City Church, said that “there was a time when I was a child that we had nothing.; I remember those days.”
“Now that we have the means to help families, that’s what we want to do,” he said.
City Church’s volunteers all came together for a night of fun, joy and community, organizers said. Approximately 28 businesses, community members, and church members made a difference by making some sort of donation of toys and/or financial support.
“Our slogan is, ‘we do life together,’ and we certainly did not do this night alone,” Macdonald said
With a stage full of toys, makeup, sports equipment, and games, children were walking away with smiles on their faces, organizers said. There were carriage rides provided by Cherry Grove: The Yohe Family Farm, and chili was given to all in attendance.
And of course, Santa and some of his elves made an appearance for visits and photo ops with the children.
Next year, City Church plans to continue this tradition of helping and blessing its community, organizers said, and they encourage you to not spend Christmas alone and welcome you to join them on Christmas Eve at 8:30 or 10 a.m. at 210 E. Main St. and/or at 6 p.m. at 114 Liberty St., Batavia.
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