St. Timothy Community Church in San Bernardino recently held its 3rd annual Christmas Toy Drive to support less fortunate families in San Bernardino, Muscoy and Rialto with toys for children up to sixteen years of age.

The Toy Drive was sponsored by Arrowhead United Way and supported by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter of the Inland Empire.

“The COVID19 Pandemic and Stay at Home Order has created a range of challenges for families as well as small businesses,” said Joseph Williams, member of Alpha Phi Alpha and a Trustee for the San Bernardino Community College District. “It’s important that we stand together during these trying times with those in need, which is one of the reasons Mu Xi Lambda Chapter stepped up to help the Church, added Williams.

He believes it is extremely important to create partnerships with community leaders like recently elected San Bernardino County Board Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. He and other elected officials and community leaders provided toys for the event.

Founder and event coordinator Cheville McKenzie credits God for the success of the event for allowing her to carry out His plan. McKenzie also credits her husband, Pastor David McKenzie, for his leadership and guidance and the faithful committed members of St. Timothy Community Church.

Lady Cheville started this event three years ago after St. Timothy Community Church conducted an assessment of the surrounding communities and saw that there was a great need for food, clothing, toiletries, employment and community resources.  “St. Timothy Community Church’s mission is serving God while serving and helping to reach our community,” said Lady Cheville.

The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County provided boxes of food and toys. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Mu Phi Zeta Chapter purchased toys and supplied volunteers for the event.

The Socialites Inc. and the Inland Empire Central Labor Council provided monetary contributions to support toy purchases.

“As a Supervisor for the 5th District it is important we continue to help those in need especially during these trying times.  We must forge partnerships in the community to help our underserved population,” said Joe Baca Jr.

“The Mu Xi Lambda Chapter has served the Inland Empire since 1977, ever since the organization was founded in the city of Rialto,” said fraternity President Ed McMillion. “We see this effort as part of our civic duty. It’s our mission to develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities,” concluded Ed McMillion who is also an Assistant Principal at Bonita High School