Soboba Casino Resort Assistant General Manager Jason Cozart said the toy drive is always a special event. “Just the look on their faces knowing that they have been blessed during the holidays, that’s what Christmas is all about,” she said. Silvas also appreciates attending any events when she can watch the families come in to pick up the toys. “Now that I’m a Glamma, I need to see what the latest and greatest toys are on the market.” “I’m always eager to hear how much fun they had picking out the toys, because some of them don’t have little ones at home to shop for, or they do and they say they got the same toy for a grandchild,” Silvas said. She enjoys collecting the toys from the patrons of the casino. Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas acknowledges that these past few years have been very difficult for everyone, especially the little ones. The toy drive has allowed as many as 50 nonprofits and child-based groups to present toys to young families each year. Planning early, expectations are high to exceed 5,000 this year, enough to provide for the groups that depend on this assistance each holiday season. Last year’s drive collected 4,100 toys, the lowest amount in the history of the event.
