TOMS RIVER, NJ – A Facebook event initially planned as a humorous gathering at a Walmart self-checkout aisle in Toms River, New Jersey, has evolved into a substantial toy drive, attracting thousands of participants. Drew Delgado, the man behind the original post, proposed the celebratory event at Lanoka Harbor Walmart to mark “another successful year of picking, paying, and bagging your own groceries.”
Unexpectedly, the post garnered attention from over 21,000 people, leading Delgado to repurpose the event into a charitable toy drive. The revised plan has since captivated a larger audience, with 37,000 Facebook users expressing interest and approximately 6,500 confirming their attendance.
Delgado expressed his thoughts on the event’s Facebook page, envisioning a scenario where attendees purchase toys at Walmart to be piled outside and subsequently donated to children visiting the store.
He emphasized the potential for a positive outcome from the initially light-hearted idea, acknowledging the tough times faced by many.
While Walmart is not officially hosting the toy drive, Delgado has collaborated with the local Elk’s Lodge for the event, scheduled for December 15th. The community-focused gathering will take place in the back parking lot of the Lacey Elks Lodge, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus for photo opportunities, and hot chocolate for attendees.
To include those unable to attend in person, an Amazon Wishlist has been established, allowing for remote contributions to the toy drive. Delgado’s unexpected twist to a comical situation demonstrates the power of community spirit and the impact of social media in mobilizing people for a charitable cause.
You can visit the event’s Facebook page here.