San Diego, California, November 29, 2025
The 4th Annual Toys for Joy event took place in San Diego, providing essential support to families in need. Held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, the event featured toy and food distributions and various entertainment, showcasing the power of community-driven initiatives. Attendees dressed in black-tie attire participated in activities while contributing to a charitable cause by donating teddy bears for local children. This event highlights the local commitment to philanthropy and the importance of collaborative efforts in uplifting the community during the holiday season.
San Diego’s 4th Annual Toys for Joy Event Spreads Holiday Cheer
A community-driven initiative that unites to support families in need.
San Diego, California – On November 29, 2025, the 4th Annual Toys for Joy event unfolded at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, providing an opportunity for local families in need to receive free toys and food, embodying the spirit of holiday generosity within the community. This initiative highlights the resilience and commitment of local organizers who work tirelessly to make the holiday season brighter for everyone.
The event showcased the strength of community engagement. It served as a reminder that with less bureaucracy and more collaboration, the means to assist one another can thrive. As families gathered for an evening of celebration and support, it became evident that local involvement in charity efforts can lead to transformative results for those in need.
Event Highlights
- Location and Time: The event was held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, located at 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, from 7:00 PM onwards.
- Admission: General admission tickets were priced at $100, with pre-sale tickets available for $60. VIP tickets, including access to the VIP Lounge and additional amenities, were offered at $200. A VIP table for ten, featuring complimentary bottles and reserved seating, was available for $3,000.
- Dress Code: Attendees were encouraged to dress in black-tie attire, with tuxedos preferred for men and cocktail dresses or gowns for women.
- Toy Donation: Each guest was required to bring a new stuffed teddy bear as a donation or purchase one at the door for $20. These donations were distributed to local non-profit organizations to benefit children in need during the holiday season.
Entertainment and Activities
- Live Performances: The event featured entertainment by DJ Steve Castro and DJ Alex Shen, along with a live performance by Party Fitness Social Club, providing an energetic atmosphere for attendees.
- Special Attractions: Guests enjoyed performances by samba dancers from Energia Entertainment, adding cultural flair to the evening.
- Photo Opportunities: Attendees had the chance to meet and take photos with “The Bears,” enhancing the festive experience.
Community Impact
The Toys for Joy event is organized by Cruise 4 Kids, a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to support children facing hardship. The annual gala combines glamour with philanthropy, collecting teddy bears and toys for local organizations that ensure children in the community experience joy despite their circumstances. This positive collaboration between local businesses and organizations highlights how communal choice can drive impactful support in times of need.
Additional Community Initiatives
Alongside the Toys for Joy event, San Diego is bustling with other initiatives aimed at supporting families this holiday season:
- YMCA Annual Toy Drive: The YMCA of San Diego County is collecting unwrapped gifts for children from infants to 17-year-olds. Donation boxes are available at YMCA locations, Wendy’s, and Home Depot throughout the county.
- San Diego Toys for Tots Event: Scheduled for November 23, 2025, this event aims to collect toys and monetary donations for local children, supporting the Marine Reserves’ efforts to distribute these gifts.
- Porchlight Community’s Holiday Toy Swap: On December 6, 2025, families can participate in a sustainable toy swap at Porchlight Pantry, encouraging the donation of new or gently used toys.
Conclusion
Community-driven events like Toys for Joy demonstrate the power of local initiative, fostering generosity and support for those less fortunate. The collaborative efforts of organizations and individuals in San Diego are vital to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience festive cheer during the holiday season. Readers are encouraged to get involved, support local initiatives, and keep the spirit of giving alive in their community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Toys for Joy event?
The Toys for Joy event is an annual charity gala organized by Cruise 4 Kids, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The event combines glamour with philanthropy, collecting teddy bears and other toys for local non-profits to distribute to children during the holiday season. This initiative aims to bring joy and support to families facing challenges, ensuring that every child experiences the warmth and generosity of the community during the holidays.
When and where was the 4th Annual Toys for Joy event held?
The 4th Annual Toys for Joy event took place on November 29, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, located at 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, California. The event began at 7:00 PM and featured various activities, including live performances, a toy donation drive, and opportunities to meet and take photos with “The Bears.”
How can I participate in the YMCA Annual Toy Drive?
To participate in the YMCA Annual Toy Drive, you can donate unwrapped gifts for children from infants to 17-year-olds. Donation boxes are available at various YMCA locations, Wendy’s restaurants, and Home Depot stores throughout San Diego County. For more information, visit the YMCA of San Diego County’s official website.
What is the San Diego Toys for Tots Event?
The San Diego Toys for Tots Event is scheduled for November 23, 2025, aiming to collect toys and monetary donations to support the Marine Reserves in providing toys to children in San Diego. The event starts at 8:00 AM at Motoworld, 315 Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA. For more details, visit the San Diego Toys for Tots Event website.
What is the Porchlight Community’s Holiday Toy Swap?
The Porchlight Community’s Holiday Toy Swap is a sustainable toy swap event scheduled for December 6, 2025, at Porchlight Pantry, 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite F, San Diego, CA 92123. This event encourages families to donate new or gently used toys and swap them for others, promoting sustainability and community engagement. For more information, visit Porchlight Community’s official website.
Key Features of the 4th Annual Toys for Joy Event
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location and Time | The event was held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, located at 3777 La Jolla Village Drive, from 7:00 PM onwards. |
| Admission | General admission tickets were priced at $100, with pre-sale tickets available for $60. VIP tickets, including access to the VIP Lounge and additional amenities, were offered at $200. A VIP table for ten, featuring complimentary bottles and reserved seating, was available for $3,000. |
| Dress Code | Attendees were encouraged to dress in black-tie attire, with tuxedos preferred for men and cocktail dresses or gowns for women. |
| Toy Donation | Each guest was required to bring a new stuffed teddy bear as a donation or purchase one at the door for $20. These donations were distributed to local non-profit organizations to benefit children in need during the holiday season. |
| Entertainment and Activities | The event featured entertainment by DJ Steve Castro and DJ Alex Shen, along with a live performance by Party Fitness Social Club, providing an energetic atmosphere for attendees. Guests enjoyed performances by samba dancers from Energia Entertainment, adding cultural flair to the evening. Attendees had the chance to meet and take photos with “The Bears,” enhancing the festive experience. |
| Background | The Toys for Joy event is an annual charity gala organized by Cruise 4 Kids, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children in need. The gala combines glamour with philanthropy, collecting teddy bears and other toys for local non-profits to distribute to children during the holiday season. This initiative aims to bring joy and support to families facing challenges, ensuring that every child experiences the warmth and generosity of the community during the holidays. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Diego’s Shelter Pets Celebrate with Special Barks-Giving Meals
Motorcycle Clubs Join Forces for Thanksgiving Toy Drive
Festive Weekend Events in San Diego
November Events Energizing San Diego County
San Diego County Airports Kick Off Annual Toys for Tots Drive
Symbiote Studios to Showcase Exclusive Merchandise at Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Set to Feature Diverse Exhibitors
San Diego Comic-Con Brings Themed Dining Experience in 2025
Bandai Namco’s Impact at San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Weekend Events and Festivals
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
