Former Niners Turn Out for Toy Drive at Box Seat Sports Grill
and Pub. Randy Kirk holds seventh annual toy drive to benefit local
families in need
By Leann Shea
The seventh annual Randy Kirk Toy Drive at the Boxseat Pub and Grill Monday night raised more than $500 and a truck load of toys for local needy children and adolescents this holiday season.
Former 49ers Kirk, Rhett Hall and Dana Stubblefield were on hand for the festivities that included an appearance by Santa Claus and a raffle of 49ers memorabilia.
“As long as people keep coming, we have to keep doing it,” said Donna Kirk, Randy’s wife. “This is the fourth year we’ve held the toy drive at the Boxseat because it kept getting bigger and bigger every year and we liked the theme of holding on Monday night football.”
Throughout the evening residents of Morgan Hill and the South Valley came in and dropped off toys, some stopping to chat with the former 49ers and ask for autographs.
“I’ve been coming to these over the years,” said Stubblefield, who lives in San Jose. “The things that Randy does for the community really goes unnoticed. He doesn’t want or seek out the attention.”
The toy drive is always a success, according to Donna, and every little bit helps. The proceeds and toys donated during the evening benefit Community Solutions of Morgan Hill and St. Catherine’s Church.
“We really appreciate Randy and Donna having the toy drive on behalf of Community Solutions and the families we serve,” said Cecilia Clark. “We are also so appreciative of the community support.”
Santa Claus even made an appearance taking gift requests from young believers, passing out candy canes and taking photos with the children and families that packed the Boxseat.
“It’s nice to see local guys that have had so much success come back and giving to the community,” said Kevin Fitzgibbons, owner of the Boxseat.
The Kirk’s will take all the toys and proceeds from the raffle back to their home to divide between Community Solutions and the St. Catherine’s programs. The 49ers donated hats, tee shirts and photographs autographed by Steve Young, Bryant Young and Alex Smith to be raffled off.
The money raised by selling raffle tickets during the evening will be used to buy gift cards for older kids who tend to get overlooked.
Last year they were able to buy a young boy a bicycle with gift cards and a matched donation, according to Donna. The boy wrote a letter thanking Santa saying it was his best Christmas ever. He is just one example of how important this toy drive is and how generous one community can be.
