Pay it Forward: Summer’s Flooring Toy Drive is all about sharing holiday joy
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The holidays are a time filled with joy, gifts, and celebration for many — but for some, the season can bring loneliness, stress, or uncertainty. That’s why one Central Oregon business decided to do what they could to make sure every child feels remembered this Christmas.
Summer’s Flooring in Bend not only joined the Central Oregon Toy Drive this year, but matched every donation received at their location.
Now, their overflowing toy box continues to grow — thanks to a $500 Pay It Forward award from Dutch Bros, Mid-Oregon Credit Union, and KTVZ News. The money will help bring even more presents to children throughout the community this holiday season.
For owner Michael Summers, giving back has always been part of what makes the holidays special — a lesson passed down through his own family’s story.
He recalled how, when his father was a child, the fire department once brought his family a bundle of Christmas toys because they were struggling financially.
“My grandpa said, 'You can keep one toy,'” Summers said. “And the rest of them were taken to another family that was worse off than them."
It’s one of his favorite Christmas memories. That simple act of generosity is something Summers still carries with him.
“There’s always been this neat connection with little kids needing to know that they’re not forgotten and that they’re loved,” he said.
“We’re trying to bring some joy and some magic back into the hearts of kids who don’t have that. We’re going to go out and get a bunch more toys — it’s going to be very fun," Summers said of how the money will be spent.
Mid-Oregon Credit Union's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations Kyle Frick said spotlighting these stories reminds us all how much good happens every day.
“There’s always lots of news — and a lot of it’s not good news,” Frick said. “So this is our chance to identify people doing great things in the community that we can help support. These gifts are really going to make a real difference to some of those kids.”
The Central Oregon Toy Drive runs through Dec. 23. You can view drop-off locations and information on the organizations helping expand the reach of your gift — click here for the link.
If you know someone who deserves recognition for helping others, you can nominate them for Pay It Forward — we may award them $500, helping keep the spirit of giving alive.
