Fair Oaks Community Center to distribute toys to families in need

While misconceptions may blur people’s views of lowriders and car culture, the core of Puro Estilow is its family-orientation, Esteban Ramirez, a member of the club, said. The toy drive is an annual effort to give back to the local families. 

“Every opportunity we have to give, we give,” Ramirez said. “If we have the gift of giving, I think we should do it.”

Many households in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood, and throughout the county, are filled with multiple families, and many already work hard to make ends meet, Ramirez said. Giving gifts during the holiday season can often be a luxury. 

“There’s a lot of  people that might have Christmas trees with no presents underneath,” Ramirez said. “We want to help those families give those kids gifts, those kids are going to be the future.” 

All the toys the car club gathers this weekend will be donated to the Fair Oaks Community Center, which will distribute the toys to low-income families in Redwood City, North Fair Oaks, Woodside, Atherton or Portola Valley. The center works in partnership with local public safety agencies including the Redwood City police and fire departments. 

Monetary donations will also be accepted, Ramirez said, who will have drivers go out to stores to buy toys. 

“It’s about giving, not receiving,” Ramirez said. “We don’t want anything in return. We want it all for the kids.” 

This will be the 10th year the car club has hosted the toy drive. Growing up in North Fair Oaks, Ramirez said this is his favorite event to host annually because of the impact he can see on his community. In the future, he hopes the car club can sponsor families who need extra financial support during the holiday season. 

“This is my favorite event because it’s in my hometown,” Ramirez said. “Just to see a little kid’s happy face, it brings me joy.” 

Knowing how perceptive kids can be, Ramirez said it’s important to give them a little bit of joy, and to support parents in making it possible. 

The toy drive will be hosted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9. at 2600 Middlefield Road. 

“It doesn’t have to be a big gift,” Ramirez said. “Even something small makes a kid happy. If we can get the community out to help, it’s even better.” 

Those interested can visit rcpalcenter.org/toy-drive for other ways to donate.

Families interested in receiving toys must sign up in person at the Fair Oaks Community Center before Dec. 4, and bring a photo identification, proof of residency and proof of the number of children under 12 living in the household.