On December 1, 2011, JABA and other bar and community organizations, organized the 12th annual APA Community Holiday Toy Drive & Reception at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles. JABA members Anne Inoue and Diane Tan again were lead organizers of the event to provide toys to needy children.
“It’s important to keep in mind those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season,” said Inoue. “We hope to bring a little joy to families going through tough times.” JABA has been a Toy Drive sponsor since its inception 12 years ago and many members volunteered to make this year’s event a great success. “I was glad to help,” said Mark Hanasono, who organized the JABA volunteers. “It feels good knowing we’re providing toys to children who might not otherwise have a lot to celebrate.”
Attendees, including volunteers, each brought a new toy valued at $20 or more or made a monetary donation used to purchase toys. The Toy Drive distributed over 1,500 toys and raised over $5,000 in admission and raffle proceeds. The toys were given to recipient organizations to distribute to families who receive their services. Those organizations include the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Little Tokyo Service Center and many others.
An estimated 450 persons attended the entertainment-filled event MC’d by Helen Ota with music by Joseph Vincent, Voco Loco, and Fujazz Band.
Participating bar organizations included JABA, APABA, APAWLA, KABA, SABA, SCCLA and TALA. “The sponsoring organizations and their volunteers make this a special event,” said Inoue. “It’s a wonderful event because we get so many toys for needy children but also bring together the APA community in doing so.”
