Quite often I am reminded of how exuberantly fortunate and blessed that I am. So many that we cross paths with daily are less fortunate. We may know them personally as an employee, family friend, administrator... or they maybe one of the kids we pass everyday in the hallway on the way to chemistry - we know their face, but not their story. What defines less fortunate? I recognized at a very early age just how rich I was in love and support from family and friends and wanted to find a way to support those less fortunate, so that they might feel comfort and peace of mind as well. This is exactly what became the foundation and drive of Macy’s Toy Box.
Looking at all that had been provided to me, I turned to my parents at the age of seven and, together, we began reaching out to the children in my community less fortunate with the hopes of finding a way to share all I’d been blessed with. I started with my own toy box - thus establishing Macy’s Toy Box.
I gathered some of my old, worn with love, and gently used toys, as well as collected some new packaged toys to hand out to emergency, law and protective agencies for young children in stressful and traumatic situations. I reached out to classmates with the help of my parents and school administrators to get them involved as well. Macy’s Toy Box began growing, building recognition within the community. In 2007, the my hometown of Bryan handed down a Proclamation for Macy Mekenzie Martin Day during a city council meeting. Through this proclamation, we’ve been able to extend our services, excepting donations and rallying communities to start drives of their own and advocate to accomplish a mission of providing love and comfort to a child in need. Macy’s Toy Box is now in the process of becoming a certified non-profit.
Through my career as a country recording artist, I’ve begun work with Nashville’s Bridge Ministries, which provides food, clothing, and housing to the homeless. In doing so, I’ve expanded Macy’s Toy Box to collect food and clothing, as well as toys, for Bridge Ministries during the holiday seasons. Macy’s Toy Box has also had the opportunity to partner with several other wonderful organizations, including Saint Jude, Make-A-Wish, and Texas Children's Hospital.