WS Chronicle

This year’s toy drive will be held on Tuesday Dec. 19

By Busta Brown

Mrs. Anita Dean Arnette, affectionately known as “The Boss Lady of Gospel,” is no stranger to the Triad community. Over the past 35 years, the proud wife and mother has given her audience love, inspiration, and hope. The Boss Lady of Gospel Radio has graced audiences throughout the country and has won numerous awards as well. One of Dean-Arnette’s favorite quotes is “Love isn’t love until you give it away.” The legendary radio personality has been giving love away to Triad families during the Christmas holidays for 23 years. 

I was curious to learn more about what contributed to her generous spirit and how her annual Toy Drive began.

Why do you continue to do the Toy Drive?

I continue to do the Toy Drive because it is part of my ministry. God laid it upon my heart back in 2000 to start a toy drive here at the radio station because so many agencies closed early and children in our communities were left out. I wanted to see the children blessed at Christmas in my community.

What gifts can children expect from your toy drive?

Children can expect dolls, trucks, bicycles, puzzles, some clothing, and so much more. We give according to what we receive. Toys are donated by our listeners and different groups.

How do parents get on your list?

Parents must write to the radio station to request help for their children ages one thru ten only, along with ages and sex of the children. After children reach the ages of 11 and up, they ask for expensive toys. 

What have been your greatest challenges over the years?

My biggest challenge throughout the years is trying to get people motivated to give. It’s better to give than to receive.

Is there a personal reason why you’re so active helping families? 

It is personal to me because when I started working here at the radio station, I would get calls from single mothers and grandparents that had called other agencies and were told they had closed the dates to accept requests. That was personal to me. Children are not responsible and sometimes don’t understand the hardships of providing toys and that became personal to me. At one time in my life, I was that same person. I didn’t have much for my children, and really had no outside help.

How did you handle the toy drive during the pandemic?

We still had the Toy Drive, but we just had the parents drive through and pick up the gifts.

Do you help with food and clothes as well?

“We do not help with food, but we do try to help families that are in need of clothing when possible.

Share a  heartwarming story or two that you’ve experienced during your toy drive.

I received a letter from a single mother a couple of years ago. She had four children of her own and she also had taken in three children that were her sister’s children. Her sister had passed away and she really didn’t have the means to get them anything for Christmas. All she asked for was a Christmas tree. A Christmas tree! One of our employees heard about her story and he supplied the Christmas tree with all the trimmings. He also adopted that family and every child had something on Christmas morning. 

I had a grandmother write a letter because she was raising her grandchildren, because their mother and father were incarcerated. They had nothing. The grandmother was on a fixed income and could barely afford to pay her bills and get her medicine. We were able to help with toys that year.

What role has your radio show played in the success of the toy drive?

I depend on my radio audience to help with the toy donation. I call them “The Light Church.” They are very supportive and that is what makes the toy drive a success. Most of all, praying to God each year to bless my babies. The Chronicle plays a big role in spreading the word as well.

Who are some of your biggest donors?

“My biggest donors are pastors and churches in Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point and surrounding areas.

How can the community donate?

The community can donate new unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages one through ten by dropping them off at 4405 Providence Lane, Suite D, in Winston-Salem, or call me, Boss Lady Anita Dean Arnette at 336-480-2039 for more information or pick up. The toy drive giveaway is on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at The Light Gospel Radio Station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Share with us that moment you wanted to give up and the scripture that gave you the strength to keep pushing.

Quitting was never an option! Sometimes the toys and letters were slow, but I knew that this was something that God had given to me 23 years ago. It’s not a job, it’s considered a ministry of love and giving. I reflect on the scripture Philippians: 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

My phenomenal Person of the Week is Anita “Boss Lady” Arnette.