By: Andrea Gonzalez, Another Way Coordinator
For more than 25 years, the Another Way Toy Drive has been a beloved Inland Regional Center (IRC) tradition—one that brings joy, dignity, and holiday magic to hundreds of children and families across San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Each year, the Toy Drive reflects the power of community, compassion, and collaboration, reminding us that together, we truly can make a difference.
From Wishes to Reality: How the Toy Drive Begins
The planning begins early—long before the holiday season is in full swing. In September, the “elves” of Another Way get to work, coordinating referrals from Consumer Service Coordinators. Families must meet HUD’s low-income guidelines to participate, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
Once the list is finalized, the much-anticipated Giving Tree appears in Building 2’s lounge the Monday after Halloween. Each ornament holds the holiday wishes of Inland Regional Center consumers and their siblings—simple requests filled with big dreams.
Community Partners Make the Magic Possible
IRC staff, along with generous partners such as Maulin Home Care and Ingram Micro, step in to fulfill these wishes. This year alone, 205 consumers and their siblings were served. The most popular requests from Santa included monster trucks, art kits, and K-POP Demon Hunter dolls.
All of this preparation leads up to the Toy Drive Event, traditionally hosted on the second Wednesday in December.
A Magical Day to Remember
This year’s celebration was hosted at Couture Events, which graciously donated their beautifully decorated venue. The event was free for all attending families—made possible through the generosity of Another Way’s sponsors, including:
- Inland Respite, Inc.
- In-Roads Creative Programs, Inc.
- Pathway, Inc.
- The Law Offices of Phillip Sparks, APC
- Creating a Legacy
- Maulin Home Care Services
- Cambrian
- Ingram Micro
- Shella Care
- 24 Hour Home Care
- Laura Gonzales
Families enjoyed a spaghetti dinner, festive desserts, music, reindeer games, a bubble show, photos with the Clauses, and—most importantly—gifts thoughtfully selected for each child.
Accessibility and inclusion are always a priority. Gifts are chosen with each child’s abilities in mind, avoiding blinking lights when necessary, and ensuring wide, wheelchair-friendly pathways throughout the venue. Dedicated volunteers play a critical role in bringing this vision to life.
Impact That Lasts All Year Long
This year’s Toy Drive raised an incredible $28,000. These funds not only supported the event itself but also contributed to Another Way’s Safety-Net and Health & Wellness Programs, which serve consumers throughout the year.
Another Way is deeply grateful for the volunteers, sponsors, and donors whose generosity makes this outreach possible. The Toy Drive is more than a holiday event—it’s a reminder of what our community can achieve together.
Who Are We?
Founded in 1986, Another Way is an Inland Regional Center program that provides emergency assistance to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Funded entirely through donations, fundraising, and grants, Another Way offers critical support such as rent assistance, food, utilities, and health-related services—helping where traditional systems cannot.
Its impact is made possible by IRC staff, volunteers, sponsors, and community members who give back through events like food and toy drives.
For those inspired to help, the program overview includes an Another Way Payroll Deduction Form, allowing employees to contribute through payroll—monthly, per paycheck, or as a one-time annual donation. Contributions roll over annually unless changed in writing, making it an easy and sustainable way to support families who rely on Another Way’s vital services.
Get Involved
To learn more or get involved, visit www.anotherway.org or contact
Andrea Gonzales at (909) 890-3045 or [email protected].
👉 Donate to Another Way
Your generosity helps fund emergency assistance, health and wellness programs, and community events like the Toy Drive.
Donate now: https://anotherway.org/donate-now/
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year filled with hope, generosity, and community.
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