44th Annual Toy Drive at Boathouse On The Bay
Annual Toy Drive Luncheon
Table of Contents
The History of 44 Years of Giving
For 44 years, what is now known as John Morris's Annual Toy Drive Luncheon has been a cornerstone of Long Beach's holiday giving tradition. This daytime charitable luncheon should not be confused with the Snow Gala evening event held on December 8. The toy drive luncheon, held on December 9, is a separate community gathering focused on collecting toys for local children in need.
This remarkable legacy of community service began with the late Bryan "Whitey" Littlefield, whose birthday on Christmas Day inspired him to start a toy drive that would bring joy to children throughout Long Beach. The tradition originated at Lombardo's Restaurant (now 555 East American Steakhouse) on Ocean Boulevard, where Littlefield first organized the charitable event.
John Morris, a Long Beach restaurateur and philanthropist who grew up in Widnes, England, brings a deeply personal connection to this charitable effort. Having experienced poverty as a child in an industrial town once called "the dirtiest town" in England, Morris understands firsthand the importance of community support during the holidays.
A Personal Mission
"Kids are our future, and we need to do anything and everything we can to help them," Morris explains. "I was a needy kid once. I totally relate to these kids now." This personal experience drives Morris's unwavering commitment to ensuring no child in Long Beach goes without during the holiday season.
Community Impact and Success Stories
The Annual Toy Drive Luncheon has grown exponentially over the decades, becoming one of Long Beach's most anticipated holiday charity events. This daytime luncheon event attracts approximately 500 attendees annually, with the 2024 drive marking the biggest turnout yet according to Morris himself.
The partnership with Eminent Giving has elevated the toy drive's impact by ensuring professional, equitable distribution across Long Beach. Their expertise in nonprofit logistics and community outreach means that toys don't just get collected—they get strategically distributed to schools, community centers, foster care organizations, and families identified through LBUSD's support services.
Beyond the toy drive, Morris's philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on various Long Beach charities and community organizations. His commitment extends year-round, from feeding volunteers during the homeless census to supporting multiple charities through special events at Boathouse on the Bay. The toy drive luncheon remains the crown jewel of these efforts, bringing together hundreds of community members in a shared mission of holiday giving.
How the Toy Drive Luncheon Works
The John Morris Annual Toy Drive Luncheon operates on a simple but effective exchange system that benefits both donors and recipients. Participants bring a new, unwrapped toy or sports ball valued at approximately $20, and in return, they receive a complimentary buffet lunch at Boathouse on the Bay from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
Drop-Off Process
The collected items are then distributed through a partnership with Eminent Giving, a nonprofit organization led by Shane Hardy. Eminent Giving coordinates with Long Beach Unified School District counselors, Boys & Girls Clubs staff, foster care coordinators, and community center directors to identify families most in need. Their systematic approach ensures that every donated toy finds its way to a child who will truly cherish it during the holiday season. This professional distribution network has been instrumental in expanding the toy drive's reach from a local charity event to a comprehensive community support initiative serving thousands of Long Beach children annually.
What to Bring: Donation Guidelines
To ensure every child receives a quality gift that brings genuine joy, the toy drive follows specific donation guidelines aligned with best practices from organizations like the Long Beach Fire Department's Spark of Love program.
Donation Requirements
All donations must be:
- New and unused items
- Unwrapped (no gift wrapping)
- Valued at approximately $20 or more
- Age-appropriate for children and teens
- Safe and non-violent in nature
Popular Donation Ideas
Items for teenagers are particularly needed, as this age group is often underserved in toy drives. Consider electronics accessories, sports gear, books, or gift cards to appropriate retailers when selecting donations for older youth.
Who Benefits from Your Generosity
The toy drive serves a diverse range of Long Beach families and children, with distribution professionally managed by Eminent Giving. Led by Shane Hardy, Eminent Giving is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities through strategic partnerships and resource distribution.
Primary Beneficiaries
- Long Beach Unified School District: Students and families across LBUSD schools identified as needing support during the holidays
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach: Children who participate in after-school programs and community activities
- Foster Youth and Transitional Housing: Children in the foster care system and transitional living situations
- Low-Income Families: Families experiencing financial hardship identified through school counselors and social workers
- Community Centers: Various neighborhood community centers serving at-risk youth
Eminent Giving's mission focuses on creating meaningful impact through collaborative efforts with local businesses and community leaders. Their professional distribution network ensures that every toy donated at the luncheon reaches children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season. By partnering with John Morris and Boathouse on the Bay, Eminent Giving helps transform a traditional charity event into a comprehensive community support system that serves thousands of Long Beach children annually.
Partners and Sponsors
The success of John Morris's Annual Toy Drive Luncheon relies on strong partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and media outlets that help amplify the message and expand the reach of this charitable effort.
Key Partners
About Eminent Giving
Eminent Giving serves as the primary distribution partner for the Annual Toy Drive Luncheon. This nonprofit organization specializes in bridging the gap between charitable donations and the communities that need them most. Through strategic partnerships with schools, community centers, and social service organizations, Eminent Giving ensures that every toy collected reaches a child who will truly benefit from the generosity of Long Beach donors. Their involvement has professionalized the distribution process while maintaining the personal, community-focused spirit of the event.
The collaboration between John Morris, Boathouse on the Bay, and Eminent Giving represents a powerful alliance of Long Beach business leaders and nonprofit organizations working together to make the holidays brighter for local children. This partnership, combined with support from media partners and the broader business community, ensures the toy drive luncheon continues to grow its impact year after year.
How to Get Involved
There are multiple ways for individuals, families, and businesses to participate in and support the toy drive, whether attending the event or contributing through alternative means.
For Individuals and Families
- Attend the December 9 event with your donation
- Organize a toy collection drive in your neighborhood
- Share information about the event on social media
- Volunteer to help with sorting and distribution
- Make a monetary donation if unable to attend
For Local Businesses
- Set up a toy collection box at your business location
- Organize an employee donation drive
- Sponsor a portion of the event or specific age group
- Donate gift cards or merchandise from your business
- Promote the event through your marketing channels
Local businesses interested in participating can contact Boathouse on the Bay at (562) 493-1100 to discuss partnership opportunities and arrange for collection boxes or group reservations for the December 9 event.
Parking and Accessibility
Boathouse on the Bay is conveniently located at 190 N Marina Drive in Long Beach, situated on the scenic Alamitos Bay waterfront. The venue offers several options for parking and transportation to ensure all community members can participate.
Parking Options
Accessibility Features
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and dining areas
- Accessible parking spaces available
- Ground-level access to the main dining room
- Accessible restroom facilities
- Patio seating with waterfront views (weather permitting)
For those using public transportation, the Long Beach Transit system provides service to the Marina area. On weekends, the Alamitos Bay Free Shuttle and Aqua Taxi offer additional transportation options along the waterfront.
A Waterfront Holiday Tradition
The toy drive has become an integral part of Long Beach's waterfront holiday celebrations, complementing other seasonal events around Alamitos Bay and Marine Stadium. The Long Beach waterfront provides a picturesque backdrop for this charitable gathering, with its stunning bay views and maritime atmosphere adding to the festive spirit.
Boathouse on the Bay, known for its upscale waterfront dining and spectacular views, transforms into a hub of community generosity each December. The restaurant's location on Alamitos Bay allows attendees to enjoy the scenic beauty of Long Beach while participating in this meaningful tradition.
Making it a Family Tradition
Many Long Beach families have made attending the toy drive an annual tradition, bringing their children to teach them about the importance of giving back to the community. The event offers a perfect opportunity to instill values of generosity and community service while enjoying a festive waterfront lunch.
The toy drive also coincides with Long Beach's broader holiday celebrations, including boat parades, holiday markets, and community festivities that make the city a special place during the season. This integration into the fabric of Long Beach's holiday traditions ensures its continued success and growth year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same event as the Snow Gala?
No, these are two separate events. The Snow Gala is an evening event on Monday, December 8, from 6-10 PM with a $40 admission that includes dinner and entertainment. The Annual Toy Drive Luncheon is on Tuesday, December 9, from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, where you bring a toy donation and receive a free buffet lunch.
What is the minimum value for toy donations?
Donations should be valued at approximately $20 or more. This ensures that each child receives a quality gift that will bring genuine joy during the holidays. While there's no maximum value, the $20 minimum helps maintain consistency in gift quality.
Can I donate wrapped gifts?
No, all donations must be unwrapped. This allows organizers to ensure age-appropriateness and safety of all items, and enables proper sorting for distribution to different age groups. Organizations will handle wrapping as needed for their specific programs.
Is the buffet lunch really free with a donation?
Yes, Boathouse on the Bay provides a complimentary buffet lunch to all toy drive luncheon participants who bring a qualifying donation. This tradition has been maintained for decades as a way to thank donors for their generosity and create a festive community atmosphere during the lunch hour.
What types of toys are most needed?
Items for teenagers are particularly needed, including sports equipment, electronics accessories, books, and gift cards. For younger children, educational toys, art supplies, and active play items are always popular. Sports balls and equipment are especially valuable for local youth athletic programs.
Can businesses set up their own collection drives?
Absolutely! Businesses are encouraged to set up collection boxes and organize employee donation drives. Contact Boathouse on the Bay at (562) 493-1100 to arrange for collection boxes and coordinate drop-offs.
How are recipient families selected?
Families are identified through multiple channels including local youth organizations, Long Beach Unified School District teacher recommendations, and referrals from social service agencies. The selection process ensures donations reach families experiencing genuine financial hardship.
Is there parking available at the venue?
Yes, there's parking directly outside the Boathouse patio and free parking at the Alamitos Bay Landing lot between Ballast Point and Malainey's. Parking can get busy, so arriving early is recommended. The venue is also accessible via rideshare services.
What happens if I can't attend on December 9?
If you can't attend the event, you can still participate by organizing your own collection drive before the event date or dropping toys at participating locations. Contact Boathouse on the Bay for more information about alternative drop-off arrangements.
The Legacy Continues
John Morris's 44th Annual Toy Drive Luncheon represents more than just a holiday charity event—it embodies the spirit of Long Beach's community commitment to ensuring every child experiences joy during the holiday season. From its humble beginnings with Whitey Littlefield to its current status as one of the city's premier charitable luncheon events, the toy drive continues to grow and evolve while maintaining its core mission of helping children in need.
The partnership with Eminent Giving and Shane Hardy has professionalized the distribution process, ensuring that every donated toy reaches children throughout the Long Beach Unified School District and local organizations. This collaboration represents the evolution of a decades-old tradition into a modern, efficient charitable operation that maximizes impact while maintaining the personal, community-focused spirit that John Morris and Whitey Littlefield envisioned.
Looking Forward
As the toy drive luncheon enters its 44th year, the need for community support remains as vital as ever. Economic challenges, housing costs, and other factors continue to impact Long Beach families, making charitable programs like this essential for ensuring holiday equity. With continued community support and the professional distribution network provided by Eminent Giving, John Morris's Annual Toy Drive Luncheon will continue bringing joy to Long Beach children for generations to come.
Whether you're a long-time supporter or joining for the first time, your participation in the December 9 toy drive luncheon at Boathouse on the Bay makes a tangible difference in the lives of Long Beach children. Together, we can ensure that every child in our community experiences the magic and wonder of the holiday season.
Boathouse on the Bay is proud to host this cherished community tradition. Beyond the toy drive luncheon, the restaurant offers exceptional private event spaces for corporate gatherings, holiday parties, and charitable fundraisers throughout the year, continuing our commitment to bringing the Long Beach community together on the beautiful Alamitos Bay waterfront.
For more information about the Annual Toy Drive Luncheon, contact Boathouse on the Bay at (562) 493-1100. Your generosity today shapes tomorrow's community leaders, one toy, one smile, one child at a time.