AMR holds its annual toy drive and the community delivers
The AMR team poses for a photo with the unwrapped toys donated by the community.
■ By Melissa Diaz Hernandez / Editor
American Medical Response (AMR) held its annual Toy Drive for the students at Hemet Unified Jacob Wiens Elementary School at the Hemet WalMart on Dec. 8, 9 and 10.
According to AMR’s Operations Manager Jack Hansen, AMR has been holding the toy drive since at least 2000.
The Valley Chronicle was at Jacob Wiens Elementary School when Hansen, alongside two of his AMR co-workers, Heather Ferriss and Rod Parr, delivered the toys to the staff on Dec. 12. The community donated 174 unopened gifts and $427 that school officials will use to purchase more presents.
The distribution works this way: The Jacob Wiens staff wraps and sets up the toys for the students. Staff selects the toy recipients for the program held the week before school lets out for winter break.
“We are very grateful to the Hemet community for its generosity and support,” said an AMR spokesperson. “We’re delighted to be able to brighten the holidays for so many youngsters.”
During the toy drive, AMR employees donated their time as the community dropped off the unwrapped toys and monetary donations.
The AMR volunteer team and school staff move to unload the toys quickly so they can be wrapped.