Every year for the last 20 years, Joseph Silva ran his toy drive in East Providence, going door to door to tell people, "'It's time to help the kids'," said Marco Pacheco.
When Joseph died this February, Pacheco, co-owner of Jordan's Liquors at 199 Taunton Ave. and long-time family friend of Joseph's, told his friend's daughter, Julie Silva, "We were going to do everything that we could to make this the best year yet," for his toy drive, now dubbed the Joseph Silva Memorial Toy Drive.
Joseph's best year collected 538 toys for the Children's Friends Holiday Spirit of Giving Drive, helping children throughout RI and MA. "Our goal is 1,000," Pacheco said.
They've got some events planned to help them get there:
- First, they've set up a fundraiser for toy drive donations at Gofundme.com. Contact Julie Silva at 401-434-4556.
- Breakfast with Santa Sunday Dec. 8, 9 a.m. to noon at Bright Ridge Club, 59 Brightridge Ave. Tickets are $10 Adults, $6 kids. - Photos with Santa from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A new and unopened toy is the cost for a picture, or a $10 donation.
- On Dec. 14, at 6:30 p.m., the Knights of Columbus will hold its annual Joseph Silva Memorial Toy Drive Dinner at 3200 Pawtucket Ave. Tickets are $20 per person, and guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. Contact Silva at js7950@aol.com or 401-434-4556 to buy tickets for more information.
- Charity Poker Tournament Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m. at Bright Ridge Club, 59 Brightridge Ave. Admission is $60, tickets are available at Jordan's Liquors.
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