Mijares Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena Hosts Drive-Thru Toy Drive

Mijares Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena is preparing for its 14th annual holiday toy drive on Monday afternoon, which will be held this year in a socially distanced drive-thru format, organizers said.

Mijares Partner and Manager Tom Recendez said the event, which benefits the Pasadena Fire Department’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, has been a tradition ever since the restaurant first collected toys for needy children on Recendez’s birthday 14 years ago.

“Last year was my largest yet. And every year I try to outdo the number of toys that I get so I can distribute to more children, but with COVID, of course, it’s tough,” Recendez said. “So I said, ‘Well, what about a drive-thru toy drive?’”

After receiving clearance from city officials, so long as social distancing protocols are followed, the event was saved, Recendez said.

Donors are invited to drop off unwrapped toys in the parking lot of the restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The restaurant is generally closed on Mondays.

“Nobody has to get out. We’ll wear all our masks and shields and gloves, and we’ll take the toys,” Recendez said.

Those who drop off toys will receive a free T-shirt, he said. “This year, it has Santa doing a drive-thru giving out toys, because he can’t get out of the sleigh.”

“We want to give as many kids as we can a happy and a merry Christmas,” Recendez said. “COVID just about took it out this year and I decided I’m not letting COVID beat me or beat the kids.”

Unlike most restaurants, Mijares this year celebrated 100 years in business. But like other local eateries, 2020 has been a trying year, he said. 

“We are going through struggles, just like everyone else,” Recendez said. The restaurant was recently forced to cut back employees’ hours.

But at the same time, “We’ve always given back. And we’re so fortunate to have what we have, and why not spread a little bit of joy?” Recendez said.

“I’m not going to stop my toy drive because of COVID. I can’t. I wouldn’t have a good Christmas.”

He added that he has no intention of slowing down any time soon.

“This is my 14th, and I’m telling you right now I will have a 15th, because I’m not stopping,” he said. “This is something that I really, really enjoy doing.”