TOLEDO, Ohio — Mike Kimble used to work for the city of Toledo, recently retiring after 24 years.
But for the last 11 years, he's been busy during the holidays.
"It's all for the kids," said Kimble.
All for the "Joys of Toys" gift drive, an effort started to help kids across northwest Ohio have a present or two under the tree.
"This is what we do, and we do it because it needs to be done," said Kimble. "This makes us feel really, really good. Not about ourselves, but it makes us feel good about the children. This is a selfless act. "
Although donations pour in around the holiday, donations are collected year-round.
When it started, the drive raised around $700, but this year was a different story.
"So far, around $2,600," said Kimble.
Which Kimble says will be about 250 gifts, and at Ollie's Bargain Outlet on Wednesday night, he had some helpers.
"We don't want any kid to go without," said Cindy Bachar, a volunteer with the drive for the last five years. "I was very fortunate growing up and had a wonderful childhood, and I want that for everybody. Everybody should have a magical childhood. "
Cindy and her son, Jacob Bachar have helped throughout the last few years.
Jacob says it brings him joy knowing he's helping putting a smile on other kids faces Christmas morning.
"Makes me feel good that I can help other kids and other people my age," said Jacob. "It just feels good to know that I'm making a bunch of different people happy. "
And for Kimble, this mission is personal. Growing up in Mississippi as one of 11 kids, some holidays were tough.
"We would wake up for Christmas and there would be little to nothing under the tree," said Kimble.
But thanks to Kimble, some kids will have a different story.
"I was happy if we got LEGOs," Kimble said. "Now they got everything,"
Kimble says some of the big donors towards the toy drive included Brookview Dental, La Fiesta, and Miracles Lanes.
The toys will be donated to the 2024 WTOL 11 Downtown Gift Drop.
On Thursday, Dec. 12 you can bring your gift to our Downtown Gift Drop. Bring your donated gifts to the WTOL 11 station, 730 N. Summit St., from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.