It’s the season of giving, and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley James T. Ventress Clubhouse got an opportunity to share the holiday magic on Wednesday with a large donation of toys.
The SCV Boys and Girls Club received three full pallets of new toys ahead of Christmas from World Tech Toys on Wednesday afternoon.
Mike DeLorenzo, co-owner of Santa Clarita Studios and a supporter of the club, asked World Tech Toys owner Vic Kouyoumjian if he would be interested in giving some toys to the local club. DeLorenzo said that Kouyoumjian responded, “yes without hesitation.”
“He (Kouyoumjian) was telling me that he donates these toys to malls and (NFL) stadiums all over the country, where he puts out all these toys for charitable organizations, and he said he would do it for us,” DeLorenzo said.
Pam Verner, member of the governing board at the SCV Boys and Girls Club, said she appreciates that the community shows up for the children.
“I just love that we have community members that when they have the opportunity to donate toys like that, that they think of the Boys and Girls Club, and that just shows the impact that we have in the community with, you know, getting our name out there and our mission out there,” Verner said.
The toys donated included play sets, Star Wars and Sonic the Hedgehog figurines, mini pinball machines and more.
Matt Nelson, CEO of the club, said it is people like Verner and her husband, Dennis, and DeLorenzo who help provide the resources to continue helping the children within the club.
“It really, it fuels us, because they give us the resources to make kids create hope and opportunity for kids, and in the Christmas season, the holiday season, just give them a little something special, make them memorable, make them feel appreciated and seen, which is so important,” Nelson said.
Nelson added that growing up today is tough and having the support of the community is necessary. “Times are tough for many families, and there’s a lot of uncertainty, and, um, so if we’re able to help some families have a joyous time, and put some smiles on their faces, that can mean all the difference.”
