Nearly 100 children helped through annual ‘Boss Lady’ Toy Drive
Boss Lady started the annual toy drive in 1999.
‘It’s a ministry to me…not a job’
In 1999 Anita “Boss Lady” Dean-Arnette set out to provide Christmas presents for children in need. After putting out a clarion call to her listeners that first year, Arnette said she received letters from about six or seven families. “We started out with a small event in a conference room,” said Dean-Arnette when discussing the start of the Toy Drive.
From humble beginnings in the conference room, Boss Lady’s annual Toy Drive has grown immensely. Thanks to donations from listeners, local businesses and churches, this year Dean-Arnette was able to provide gifts for more than 50 families and nearly 100 children. Dean-Arnette said it’s a lot of work to put on the event every year, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“This is something I look forward to every year because it’s something God has given me in my spirit to do and that’s why I do it,” she said. “It’s a lot of work but it’s a blessing to see the children’s faces. At the end of the day, it’s about the children and that’s why I keep doing it every year.”
In addition to the bags of toys, clothes and other items, several children also received brand new bikes. According to Dean-Arnette, the bikes have been donated by an anonymous donor for the past 10 years.
“We have so many people who donate their time and resources because we couldn’t do this by ourselves,” she said.
On the day of the Toy Drive, children also had the opportunity to take pictures with Santa Claus. When asked how long she plans to continue the Toy Drive, Dean-Arnette said it has become a ministry that she doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.
“There’s no time limit when God speaks and tells you to do something,” she continued. “It’s a ministry to me. And when it becomes a ministry, it’s not a job.
“Love isn’t love until you give it away and that’s what I stand on.”
