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Bulldog Boxing gym held its annual toy drive on Dec. 13, helping to make Christmas a little brighter for children in the community. Many people came during the day to bring new toys and food items for the gym to hand out.
Owner Zeke Lopez said he had grown up in a big family with no money and knows that getting a toy during the holidays is important.
“A lot of kids don’t have much,” he said, “and this one little thing makes a difference in a kid’s life. We want to try to make the kids happy.”
Hollister resident Kennedy Franco brought a Barbie to donate, saying she wanted to support the gym located at 640 McCray Street.
After finding out about the event on Facebook, Hollister resident Cindy Gillen also brought toys to the drive.
“I want to give back to the community,” Gillen said, “and to Zeke, for all he does for the community. I brought toys for all ages, like Barbies, a football, little farm animals and books in Spanish and English.”
Jorge Rodriguez, who dressed as Santa Claus, said he hoped people would bring in toys and also learn more about the free boxing gym.
Efren Avalos, who dressed as The Grinch, said that the gym had been doing the toy drive for six years and will be accepting donations until Dec. 18. The toys are for kids of different ages, he said, up to 15 or 16 years old, and will be given away at the gym on Dec. 20 at 10 a.m., along with hot chocolate and food.
The Grinch (Efren Avalos) and Santa Claus (Jorge Rodriguez). Photo by Adam Bell. 
Santa Claus, The Elf (David Lujan), and The Grinch. Photo by Adam Bell. 
The Grinch, Zeke Lopez (sitting), The Elf, and Santa Claus. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Kennedy Franco donated a Barbie doll and a Spiderman watch to the toy drive at Bulldog Boxing. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Some of the donated toys that Bulldog Boxing gathered for the kids. Photo by Adam Bell. 
The Grinch and Santa Claus with Maria Gonzalez and Marina Gonzalez. Photo by Adam Bell. 
The Grinch playing with Maria Gonzalez. Photo by Adam Bell. 
Kobe Garcia donates a Glitzy Unicorn toy to the Bulldog Boxing drive. Photo by Adam Bell.
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