Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes continues tradition of holiday collections

Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes is hosting collection events at Jaden’s Catering on Route 22, taking in toys and cash from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 26 and 27 and again on Dec. 3 and 4.

“It started in a cardboard box about 10 years ago in my catering company here in Monroeville,” said Javid Shojaie, founder and chairman of Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes. “The rest is history. We grew from there, and it got bigger and bigger. Now, we take care of many police stations, local charities and local community centers.”

Shojaie owns Jaden’s Catering and approximately 25 years ago, he and a group of small-business owners began the Greater Pittsburgh Business Connection. Around 12 years ago, the business owners began hosting events for the purpose of giving back to the community.

“That’s what led me to creating Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes,” said Shojaie. “We wanted to take care of the local children here in Pittsburgh.”

All donations stay within the region. The organization collects brand-new toys, transports them to its warehouse and sorts the donations by age and gender. The toys are then delivered to local charities and police stations throughout the area.

“We didn’t want any gifts to leave the area, since our mission is to support the Greater Pittsburgh area,” said Shojaie. “This is all 100% volunteers. Nobody gets paid to do anything.”

The annual collection serves a purpose beyond providing toys for children.

“This program is designed to bring the different community police closer to their community, and every year that bridge is getting stronger and closer together,” Shojaie said. “We are very proud that we’re able to make that kind of a difference.”

In addition to the Jaden’s toy drives, people are able to donate to the nonprofit year round. Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes has an open donation page on its website and appreciates any and all contributions. All of the money goes toward supporting local communities.

Toys are also accepted all year and can be dropped off at the nonprofit’s camper trailer at Jaden’s. In the past, Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes has filled its trailer six to seven times from October into December. There are also over 50 drop-off locations hosted by local businesses that are open for collection from Thanksgiving to the beginning of December.

“Those are the main drives,” said Shojaie. “We do it right on (Route) 22, and we have for many years. Those are the actual drives that people can come and donate toys, money or any clothing from 11 to 2 at our location. Chick-Fil-A in the Miracle Mile shopping center is a partner of ours, and they will be doing one Dec. 3, as well.”

On the days of the collection events, there will be volunteers standing along Route 22 with stockings. People are able to drive by and drop money in from their cars. Donors will also be able to go into the Jaden’s Catering parking lot and drop their toys into the camper trailer. During December’s collection weekend, “Star Wars” characters and Santa Claus will be in attendance for photos.

In response to being called the founder of Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes, Shojaie said:

“Honestly, I don’t want to take the credit because I have over 40 people that back me up, and without them I would not be able to be where I am today. It’s a whole army of volunteers of all ages, all genders, all different people helping me to get this organized. They donate their time or vehicles. Our warehouse was donated to us so we’re able to do this all yea r’round. I am so proud of all of them.”

For more information regarding Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes’ upcoming events and donation box locations, visit www.toysforpittsburghtikes.com.