East Bay Gym fights back against theft to make Christmas possible for kids
An East Bay boxing gym has fought back from a recent robbery to set up a Christmas Toy Drive that almost never happened.
PITTSBURG, California – An East Bay boxing gym has fought back from a recent robbery to stage a Christmas toy run that almost never happened.
Several dozen families and children received food and toys as a gift on Saturday at a Toy Drive from The Lions Den in Pittsburg.
A kid ran off with Hot Wheels.
“I’m getting a hot wheel job for Christmas so I wanted this,” said Isaiah Guerra.
The toy ride was special because thieves almost stole it from the community.
On Monday, burglars broke in and left a crowbar as evidence.
Surveillance footage shows thieves making off with a 50-pound safe they had put in a bin.
Inside that safe were thousands of dollars and gift cards intended to be used for a surprise toy giveaway, scheduled for last Thursday.
For the gym and its supporters, the theft was a blow to the heart.
“It’s heartbreaking that someone is doing that to them,” said Grace Martino.
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The motto of the Lion’s Den Boxing Gym in Pittsburg is “Eat or Get Ate”, a maxim to inspire young people in the community to work hard against all the challenges life throws at them.
Determined to keep the Toy Drive alive, the gym fought back using modern methods, a GoFundMe page, and news coverage.
Immediately a wave of donations poured in for both toys and over $10,000, much to the delight of the gym owner who had a personal reason not to give up.
“I come from a family where there wasn’t always food on the table for us,” says Cordell Pearson, owner of The Lion’s Den. “I remember having to stand in lines like this to get toys when I was little. . So I always thought when I was younger, if I was ever in a position to do the same thing, that’s what I wanted to do.”
With the clock ticking and Christmas just a few days away, a team started collecting toy donations and visiting stores and putting the toy action together.
“It’s definitely a Christmas miracle. It’s definitely a Christmas miracle. We have so many people supporting right now,” said Lakesha Smith, a volunteer.
The San Pablo Davis’ were prime examples of that support, giving generously when they heard the gym needed help.
“We delivered a box full of toys and today we returned a few more, we returned three more boxes today,” said Arlita Davis.
“It gives me joy to be able to help the children in a time of need,” said Edward Davis.
The toy ride put a smile on many faces.
For the boxing gym, the theft was a temporary knockout, not a knockout.
As they teach the children, when something like this happens, you must muster perseverance and determination to get back up and keep fighting.
They lead by example at The Lion’s Den and plan to do it all again next year.
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