This holiday season, Santa Anita Assisted Living didn’t just host a toy drive, we came together as a community to make a real difference for local children and families.
What began as a simple idea quickly became a mission that was personally taken to heart by Brenda Martinez, Engagement Director, with the incredible support of Lisa, our Activities Coordinator, and the broader Santa Anita team.
From the start, Brenda was determined to ensure this toy drive truly mattered. She distributed more than 300 flyers throughout Santa Anita Mall, visited local businesses and churches, traveled to nearby communities, and shared the drive across her personal social media. She also reached out to friends and family across the country, inspiring donations to be mailed in from well beyond our local area.
Alongside her, Lisa played a key role in distributing and coordinating the Toy Drive flyers, helping ensure the message reached as many people as possible and supporting the logistics behind the scenes. Together, their teamwork helped turn a simple flyer into meaningful action.
One especially touching moment came when a local business owner, Brenda, who had spoken with, arrived at Santa Anita Assisted Living with three toys in hand, simply because someone had taken the time to share the story and ask.
As donations grew, a thoughtful decision was made to direct the gifts where the need was greatest. The team chose to support Ritter Elementary School, an inner-city Los Angeles school where all 280 students are considered in need and which holds personal meaning for Brenda’s family.
Even after collecting more than 100 gifts, there was concern that it wouldn’t be enough. During a monthly call, Brenda shared her worry, and once again, teamwork made the difference. With additional outreach and support from Michelle and the broader team, the final push ensured that every single child would receive a gift.
This week, Brenda and her nephew, visiting from London, will return to Ritter Elementary School together to help distribute the gifts in person, creating a full-circle moment rooted in compassion, family, and service.
This is what community looks like.
This is what teamwork looks like.
And this is what happens when people care deeply and refuse to stop at good enough.
We are incredibly proud of Brenda, Lisa, and the entire Santa Anita Assisted Living team, grateful to everyone who donated and shared, and honored to have partnered with Ritter Elementary School to help make this holiday season brighter for more than 280 children.
Thank you to everyone who showed up. This is the impact we can make, together.