Growing up, Mark Murray experienced hardship, especially during Christmas, when he often had no toys and very little to celebrate. As he grew older, he became determined to change that for today’s children.

Three years ago, Murray founded the OnAir Media and Friends Annual Christmas Toy and Book Drive, bringing smiles to children’s faces. The support he received was overwhelming.

Murray, a native of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), told Pepperpot Magazine that the drive began as part of his corporate social responsibility in 2021 when he registered his small business, OnAir Media Consultancy.

He explained that, following the pandemic, he wanted to do something for children in underprivileged communities. Initially prepared to fund the initiative himself, he pitched the idea to friends and colleagues, who embraced it wholeheartedly.

The first year was a success, and every year since, Murray and his team have expanded the initiative. Initially catering to 400 children, the demand has grown significantly.

Murray added that friends, both local and overseas, have contributed their time, resources, and funds to ensure the success of the drive. Companies such as Digicel Guyana, Ansa McAl, and the Office of the First Lady have also supported the initiative with toy donations.

The team travels to various regions, including Regions Four, Six, Three, and 10, to personally distribute toys. Each child gets to select a toy, along with a goodie bag, books, and food items.

Murray recalled moments of heartbreak upon witnessing the living conditions of some children. These experiences only strengthened their resolve to continue raising funds and collecting donations to make the toy drive a reality each year.

In the past three years, Murray and his team have distributed 15,000 toys across the country.

Although Murray is not in Guyana this year, his friends have ensured that the 2024 Toy and Book Drive will take place. So far, donations have been trickling in, but he remains optimistic about reaching their goal of distributing 500 toys this year.

“For me, this time of year is about giving back,” Murray said. “Growing up with so little gave me the drive to work hard and achieve my dreams. Now that I’m in a position to help others, why not?”

Murray added that giving back has always been part of his life. Though he sometimes faces challenges and is even taken advantage of, he remains undeterred in his mission to spread joy.

“Children are impressionable and innocent. They’re born into situations they can’t control, and I want to bring smiles to their faces. I want to spread joy this Christmas and every Christmas,” he said.

Despite challenges, Murray remains dedicated to making a difference. Last year, the Toy and Book Drive even included a party for children living with HIV/AIDS, spreading joy to those in need.

The OnAir Media and Friends Annual Christmas Toy and Book Drive aims to bring the magic of Christmas to children. Donations of gently used or new toys and books are welcome until December 15, 2024.