Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

George and Darlene Randall’s driveway seemed busier than the North Pole on the morning of Dec. 24, as a group of community members gathered to deliver toys to needy children in the Kern River Valley. More than 80 youngsters, from toddler to teenager, received gifts from the generous group. Donations of toys and money were given to God’s Storehouse, the Food Pantry, and the Family Resource Center.

“They’ve had tough breaks in life,” said retired KCSO School Resource Officer Dave Boyd, referring to the various children receiving gifts. “It’s just a community effort.”

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Each gift bag was filled to the brim with everything from board games to Barbie dolls, and delivered to the recipients’ homes by School Resource Officer Joe Garcia, who chauffeured Santa Claus to the locations. Children also received batteries for toys, and Burger King gift certificates in their gift bags.

“We saw the need with the kids,” said George Randall, who, along with wife Darlene, have been the driving force behind the toy giveaway since its inception. “It’s been a thing that we fell into and we believe in. We try to make it work.”

“So many people give to us it’s unheard of,” said Darlene Randall as she sorted through two large garages packed full of toys. “It keeps getting bigger every year.”

The Randalls have been collecting toys for children in the valley for more than 10 years, but due to health issues, the couple decided to hand the reins over to others after this year’s toy drive.

The Kernville couple have donated to many groups in the valley, including the Kern Valley Cemetery District and Kern Valley Sheriff’s Activities League. Additionally, they are largely responsible for the ever-popular Christmas in Kernville.

“When we were young, we were very poor,” said George Randall. “We didn’t have much for Christmas. So, we would like to see other kids have a helluva lot better Christmas than we had.”