Chairman Collects, Delivers Toys to Local Charities

Donations Collected for Chairman’s 5th Annual Toy Drive

Submitted by Redline Media Group

In December 2007 Chairman Mitchell Cypress launched his 5th Annual Toy Drive with one mission — “Give a child a toy and put a smile on a child’s face for the holiday” — the same as it has been for the past five years,

When asked what motivates him to do this, Chairman Cypress said he remembers his days as a youth when toys were a distant thought. He recalled being in school on gift exchange day and feeling bad because he had no gift to give and had to sit in the back of the room neither giving nor receiving.

The Chairman vowed that one day he would want to be able to give every child a toy to put a smile on their face for the holiday.

Although it isn’t possible to touch every child in the world, he has made a big difference in the lives of many of South Florida’s children.

The Toy Drive took place near the grounds of the Hollywood Classic Casino on Dec. 12, 2007. Clear Channel Broadcasting assisted the Chairman’s efforts by broadcasting the event location on all of their radio stations to encourage community members to donate.

Last year, his efforts touched lives of hundreds of children throughout South Florida as toys were distributed at locations including the Holtz Children’s Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, migrant camps at Belle Glade, Pahokee, Canal Point, Fla., and the Overtown Youth Center, just to name a few.

This year, the Chairman revisited Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital and also took a trip to the west coast of Florida to Immokalee’s Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) on Dec. 20.

He rode up to the event in his 21st Century sleigh — a fire truck — and the excitement grew from there. The children were grouped by classes and they could hardly keep themselves composed as the fire truck turned the corner, with lights flashing and sirens roaring. When the truck came to a stop in the school yard, Chairman Cypress jumped down and was greeted by the children’s cheers.

As the Chairman took the stage and faced the sea of smiles, he spoke to the children, their parents and teachers, telling them about his days as a child and how giving became important in his life.

“It is never about receiving to me, it is always about giving. I live to give,” said Cypress.

While there, he physically handed a toy to each of the 264 children in attendance. The children at the RCMA showed their appreciation by singing “Merry Christmas” for the Chairman.