Toy Donation Drive / UTB United Third Bridge, Inc. November 25th – December 8th, 2024

Gary Yeomans Ford Palm Bay is partnering with UTB United Third Bridge, Inc. in celebration of Three Kings Day.

Fill-A-Ford 4Kids is their annual Christmas toy donation drive.  This year it will benefit children in Brevard County in celebration of Three Kings Day, the final celebration with which the 12 days of Christmas end on January 6.  It is believed that on this day, the three wise men – Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar – presented baby Jesus with symbolic gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Many Christians across Europe, mainly in Spain, and in Latin America celebrate this holiday.

In Puerto Rico, it is referred to as Dia de Los Reyes Magos, and is as big of a deal as Christmas – if not more so.  Preparations for the festivities begin just after Christmas day and the days leading up to January 6 are filled with lively celebrations and gatherings.

In the evenings leading up to Three Kings Day, friends and families gather in parrandas to sing and play traditional Puerto Rican music around the neighborhood, stopping at neighboring homes to celebrate, enjoy food and snacks, and sip coquito (a coconut-based holiday drink made with rum) before moving on to the next house and doing it all over again. As tradition goes, on the eve of Three Kings Day, children leave a shoebox filled with straw, hay, or fresh-cut grass for the Magi’s camels, placing the box under the bed.  In return, the kids wake up in the morning to find they’ve received gifts and/or candy.

The toy donation drive will begin on November 25th and end on December 8th.  The recommended shopping list are toys and gift cards for ages 5-11 years old, such as:  Crayons & Coloring Books; Target, Walmart, or Amazon Gift Cards; Movie Passes; Basketballs; Footballs; Soccer Balls; Baseballs; Barbies; Legos; Monster Trucks; Science Sets; Arts & Crafts; Board & Card Games; Ear buds, and Headsets.

Gary Yeomans Ford of Palm Bay General Manager, TJ Ayo, commented on the initiative, stating, “At Gary Yeomans Ford, we are deeply committed to supporting our community, especially during the holiday season.  Partnering with UTB United Third Bridge allows us to bring even more joy to children who might otherwise go without.  Fill A Ford 4Kids is more than just a toy drive; it’s a way to show that the spirit of giving and caring is alive and well in Palm Bay”.  Join us in making a positive impact this holiday season by collecting new and unwrapped toys for the children of Brevard County for the Three Kings Day celebration.  Together, we can bring joy and happiness to those who need it most, because “Gary Yeomans Cares”.

Drop off all donations at:  Gary Yeomans Ford,1202 Malabar Rd in Palm Bay!

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