Biography| I started the Off Roaders Toy Drive in 2002, it started as a simple conversation with a friend about doing things for others. I grew up in a family where my mom and dad liked to do things for others. I remember the two of them cooking entire meals and bringing them to “Rachel’s Center” to feed everyone there. It gave them a good feeling knowing they had helped someone that needed it, they didn’t change the world but they helped however they could. I have always enjoyed helping others, whether it was a friend or a complete stranger, it just makes you feel good. What I want to do is help people in and around my area. Now I know there are plenty of charities around that help out a lot of people in this and other countries but, it’s nice to help someone that could end up living down the street from you. The other thing I really enjoy is off-roading. I have been going to the desert ever since I got out of the military in 1992. That was it, somehow merge the two things I enjoy doing into one. I realize that everyone bringing a toy to me is not an off-roader, that’s fine with me. I just needed a way to connect with people and ask them to donate. Once you are around people who off-road you soon realize that they also enjoy helping out others. Now if I could get just one toy from everyone who goes to the desert……….. Now that I had a name for this event I needed a place to try and see if I could make it work. The initial plan was to have it at Buckman Springs rest stop, well after a very short meeting with Cal-Trans and a big “no can do” I needed Plan B. Someone came up with the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center which had recently been built. After a lot of phone calls and a few meetings we agreed to try the event at the casino. Next I needed a date to have the event. Everyone that goes to the desert knows that Thanksgiving is usually the biggest trip of the season. It doesn’t get any easier than this; drop off a toy on your way home from the desert. It couldn’t be any closer to the freeway and there’s plenty of parking available even for the biggest rigs out there. I had no idea if I would get any toys at all other than the ones from friends and family. It turned out well for a first year event. There was a huge learning curve on what to do, how to do it, etc. The next question was can we build on this year’s event and make it better next year. As you can see, with the help of friends and family it is becoming a growing annual event. With the Off Roaders Toy Drive steadily growing, it is my hope I can donate to additional charities each year. My goal is to give as many toys as possible to as many charities as possible. With the help of family and friends, the generosity of sponsors and donations from people who care, this event will continue to grow year after year. I would like to thank the Golden Acorn Casino and Travel Center for being such a gracious host all these years. I also would like to thank all the sponsors who took a chance on me and this event during its first year. And I especially would like to thank all of you that have donated a toy in the past and will donate again for years to come. Remember we are “Making a difference one toy at a time”. Thank you, Chris Visconti
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