’Tis the season for holiday drives that inspire.
Over the next several weeks, local nonprofits offer ample opportunity to support kids and families in need, the unhoused, and children battling chronic illnesses.
Unique offerings include the Greater Arizona Bicycling Association (GABA) Toy Ride, a family-friendly event on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 13. Riders can choose from eight different routes citywide — many along The Loop — that will converge for a celebration at 10 a.m. at Rillito Racetrack, 4502 N. First Ave.
Riders are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Salvation Army.
“It is the best of everything, from helping people out and bringing together community and giving people the opportunity to make new friends and hang out with old friends,” said Damion Alexander, who is coordinating the event for GABA.
“It has bicycles, toys and kids and shows the ‘reason for the season.’ It is basically everything good about bikes and community and engaging people — and getting them active in something maybe they otherwise wouldn’t do.”
Alexander emphasized that the event is much more than just a ride, attracting diverse abilities from all walks of life. Many cyclists wear costumes and decorate their bikes.
“We have ages six to 80 and it is a nice cross-section of the cycling community ... we are not only doing good for kids but introducing different segments of the community to each other,” said Alexander, who will dress as Santa and tow a “sled with a Christmas tree.”
He believes the spirit of generosity carries beyond the holidays, encouraging cyclists to donate bikes, equipment and time to younger generations.
If the homeless are on your mind this holiday season, GABA is also assembling 200 backpacks for the Endurance Project. GABA Toy Ride donation sites also accept donations for the Endurance Project.
“We put together backpacks filled with toiletries, sleeping bags and other basic necessities and on Christmas morning go out on bikes to deliver them. These are people most in need in our community,” Alexander said.
Children with complex medical conditions also face significant challenges, and Caysen’s Crew is dedicated to supporting these children and their families.
“There are lots of resources for children with terminal illnesses, as there should be, but there is not a lot of help for children with complex medical conditions. There are so many kids out there with lifelong illnesses that hinder their day-to-day life and bring lots of stresses for their families to deal with. This is their life, and it is not something that goes away,” said Jennifer Contreras, who founded the nonprofit in 2021 with her husband, Eric.
They recognized the need for support after their son, Caysen, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, as well as a Chiari 1 Malformation and Hydrocephalus that required multiple brain surgeries. He has also been diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis.
Now age five, Caysen is “in a maintenance phase.” He sees 12 specialists and requires bi-weekly injections to assist with gastrointestinal problems, along with chest therapy and treatments.
Contreras hopes to promote awareness about the hurdles and the lack of understanding often faced by families dealing with chronic, complex medical situations.
“We had lots of barriers, including financial barriers. Not everything was covered by insurance, and I had to spend lots of time at Phoenix Children’s Hospital with Caysen, so there was lots of travel back and forth and I almost lost my job because of the amount of time I had to take off,” Contreras said.
She had no idea where to turn for help and people weren’t always forthcoming with information, until finally she broke down and a nurse told her to talk to a social worker.
“When you are going through this as a family, you don’t know who to ask or the questions to ask ... and we want to help support families on their journeys,” Contreras said.
To that end, Caysen’s Crew is sponsoring a toy drive and delivering gifts on Christmas Eve to children at TMC for Children and Banner Children’s hospital.
Donations can be made through Amazon at http://tucne.ws/1tgy and you can go to https://www.caysenscrew.com/ to make a monetary donation.
