CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — It's no surprise that many families have been struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the holidays around the corner, many parents may be worrying about buying Christmas presents.
Director at West Side Helping Hand, Garner Burford, noticed parents struggling more this year and wanted to do some good for the community. So he decided to hold a toy drive at the organization's facility.
Although this is not the first time the non-profit has partnered for a toy drive, he said it's important for the children in the area.
"We focus on kids that come from single parent households, and come from families that are close to the poverty line," said Burford.
West Side Helping Hand will partner with Coastal Bend's own and Texas Rangers Catcher, Jose Trevino.
"I think it'd be good just to give back, kind of even more now ya know, since times are a little rough," said Trevino. This is his fourth year in a row to hold the Trevino Toy Drive.
He said he wants kids in the Coastal Bend to remember where they come from.
"We're gritty, we're grinders, we get after it. Like that's just plain and simple, that's what South Texas is about."
For families who need the extra holiday help, WSHH volunteer and grandfather of two, Nick Davila, said a toy drive like this will help children get that dream toy they've been wanting.
"And help mom and dad, take a lot of pressure off of mom and dad and a lot of that tension that comes with that," Davila said.
Burford said many of the toys from the toy drive will be handed out to the kids that attend West Side Helping Hand. He wants to help other children that may be in need and asked for parents to contact him if they need the help this holiday season.
Any toy that is dropped off at the Toy Drive will be met with a raffle ticket for Rangers memorabilia donated by Jose Trevino.
Trevino has also partnered with Brewster Street Icehouse for a comedy show featuring Steve Trevino. This benefit will also help West Side Helping Hand.
Trevino's Toy Drive will be held December 19 from 6-8pm at West Side Helping Hand on 3146 Highland Ave.