Quarantine time at home prompted San Marino brothers Teddy (left) and Harry Stoltz to create a toy and school supply drive on Aug. 22 and 29.
Many well-intentioned community members organize toy and gift collections near the holidays, but the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to put social lives largely on hold encouraged a pair of local brothers to think outside the box, pun intended.
“This spring and summer has been more difficult than usual due to the quarantine, but my family found lots of joy in playing badminton in our front yard and we also became expert board game players,” said Harry Stoltz, a San Marino resident and senior at San Marino High School.
“Even now, we didn’t have our usual fun-filled summer, but my younger brother Teddy and I felt lucky that we had so much entertainment to choose from. Being unable to socialize with our friends in the usual way, my brother and I sometimes brought each other and my parents to the end of their ropes.”
Stoltz arrived at a mature and perhaps even rare conclusion when empathizing with others who might be less fortunate.
“I could only imagine what it would be like to not have all the luxuries afforded to me and my family,” Stoltz continued. “I figured that some new board games and toys would bring opportunities to other families as well who are unable to provide entertainment for their kids, for various reasons, during these unusual times.”
The Stoltz boys decided to add school supplies to their wish lists, as many are unable to afford these necessities and may not have access to them during remote learning.
Harry and Teddy are the sons of Erna Knolmar and Brian Stoltz, a chemistry professor at Caltech. Teddy is an avid tennis player and Harry typically spends his summers at Caltech as a volunteer researcher.
“Unfortunately this summer, I wasn’t able to spend any time in the lab due to COVID, so I’m very excited to be able to help organize this toy drive,” said Harry Stoltz, who is also a space exploration buff.
Donors are invited to bring unwrapped toys, games and school supplies to the San Marino Fire Department on two Saturdays, Aug. 22 and 29, as Fire Chief Mario Rueda was more than happy for his agency to participate in the program. Donors are asked to wear a face covering during drop-off. The student group Caltech Y has also volunteered to help the brothers with distribution and logistics.
As for Harry, well, he just wants to help.
“COVID is really affecting so many people right now,” he said. “I wanted to help out in any way I could.”
For information, email sanmarinotoydrive@gmail.com.
