Drag, Ducks, and Presents: Notes from the Toys Party
Presents donated by our party guests to local children.
One of our guests at the Toys Party in December was a duck. I have since learned that her name is Wrinkle and that she has 263K followers on instagram. I was surprised to see a duck inside Friends Tavern, but then again, Love Wins Food Pantry has always drawn a colorful crowd.
Other guests at the party included volunteers past and present, along with their partners, friends, and families. New York Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas was there too. She gave a short speech, saying how good it feels “to be together, to celebrate, and to bring these amazing gifts to the families [affected by] the 89th street fire.”
I brought my mom to the party, and as I introduced her to my fellow volunteers, I felt grateful and proud. Proud to show her the community we’ve built, and grateful for both blood and chosen family.
Fellow volunteer Humberto posing with me and my parents.
After a few words from volunteers Mark Buhrmester and Daniel Puerto, the evening’s entertainment began. Davishmar, a saxophone player, performed first, followed by four drag shows. Betty UBttm, who often distributes food with us on Fridays, lip synched to RuPaul’s song “Nothing for Christmas.” Next, Malai performed “Chikni Chameli” by Shreya Goshal. At that point, I had to leave the party, but my friend Ana Mendez tells me that Kendry Martinez covered “La Malquerida” by Seoane next. Finally, Daniella LaFontain performed two songs in two different costumes.
Although each performer dazzled us, the true star of the show was a tiny Christmas tree from the 99-cent store with toys piled beneath it. The purpose of the Toys Party was to collect gifts for local children, and our guests delivered. The pile of presents increased throughout the night, even spilling out onto the dance floor. There were so many that it seemed pointless to count them. However, I can assure you that when we distributed the toys on Sunday, there were enough for everyone. These gifts went specifically to children that have been affected by recent tragedies such as the 89th street fire in Jackson Heights, which González-Rojas mentioned, and Hurricane Ida.
During his speech at the party, Daniel pointed out that food justice is a long-term commitment. “Some people are relying on our resources to get by,” he soaid. “You do not put food on people’s plates for just one day.” Because food insecurity in Jackson Heights persists, Love Wins Food Pantry has been putting food on people’s plates for almost two years. It is hard but rewarding work, and we couldn’t do it without the help of the volunteers, donors, and organizations that have supported us.
With this in mind, Love Wins Food Pantry awarded cash prizes to three grassroots organizations that night. The Jackson Heights Community Fridge, the Elmhurst Community Fridge, and Centro Corona inspire us every day with their dedication to long-term community care. We chose to share our resources because we see ourselves as part of a larger network of mutual aid and grassroots efforts. We cannot do this work alone.
Please consider joining the Love Wins family! You can support our work through a monthly donation or by joining us for one of our Friday distributions as a volunteer. With your help, we can continue to nourish the community we love.
