'A labor of love': Rick Rizzs' toy drive brings joy to Seattle community

SEATTLE -- It’s Rick Rizzs’ favorite time of the year, which is saying something, given that the iconic Mariners broadcaster loves the baseball season perhaps more than any in the organization.

Considering his boisterous personality and passion on the airwaves, it’s no surprise that Rizzs channels those attributes to his life away from the broadcast booth, particularly in giving back to the community and during the holiday season, when his busy schedule finally subsides.

Rizzs recently held a toy drive via the foundation that he and former Mariners center fielder Dave Henderson established in 1995: Toys for Kids, which supports homeless and disadvantaged children throughout the year, with the goal of filling their hearts with hope and joy. Rizzs also helped distribute toys at the Yesler Community Center and to youth at the Harborview Children’s holiday party.

“It’s been really amazing,” Rizzs said. “We had our best year ever. We’ll be in business as long as we possibly can to help these kids and help make sure Santa shows up for these boys and girls.”

Over 90% of all donations for Toys for Kids directly benefit children. Through the past 22 years, the initiative has raised over $1 million, purchased brand new toys for over 200,000 children in Washington State and hosted over 60 holiday parties to benefit children in need. More than 10,000 toys are given on a yearly basis, way up from the 300 that Rizzs and Henderson began with. This year, Toys for Kids raised $900,000 -- its most yet in a single year.

“This is so rewarding for all of us,” Rizzs said. “We’ve been able to make an impact in the community. With our vision 27 years ago, we had no idea how big it was going to be, but we really do make a difference in the community, because these kids are youngsters that probably wouldn't get anything at Christmastime. These moms and shelters need our help. This is a tough time of year when you’re having a difficult time, and we want to do what we can.”

This year, Rizzs was aided by Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford and starting pitcher Marco Gonzales, two of the few Seattle players that live in the area during the offseason. The Mariner Moose, a regular, was also on hand.

“It’s exciting when the kids get a chance to see a big league ballplayer. The ones old enough to follow the Mariners watch on TV, listen on the radio,” Rizzs said. “I remember seeing a ballplayer for the first time in my life and couldn't believe they were real. Now, these kids get a chance to connect with them and get an autograph. I really wish you could see the smile on their faces when they get to meet them. And even more so, I love the reaction from Marco and J.P. and knowing what they mean to these kids.”

Toys for Kids is a year-round initiative that holds other events such as:

• Back to School!: A late-summer gathering that provides school children with essential supplies they need, such as backpacks, pens, paper or other basic supplies.
• F.L.Y. -- First Love Yourself: The organization partners with a local hair salon to give parents who are survivors of domestic violence and residents of homeless shelters a day to feel special and spread their wings. They are treated to haircuts, manicures, and even get their makeup done by Hologram Beauty.
• Holiday Parties: Aided by fundraisers through sponsors and individual donors, Toys for Kids helps ensure that Santa Claus arrives at various stops during the holidays.
• Hot Lunches: The organization helps provide nutritious meals for children during the school year for those on free and/or reduced-priced meals.
• Scholarships: A $5,000 academic scholarship for high-school seniors for tuition and books, recognizing Washington State students that exemplify the high standards and commitment to the community that Henderson believed in.

Toys for Kids might be Rizzs’ flagship for giving back, but he also contributes at the Broadview women’s shelter, specifically hosting a holiday party. It’s a busy time of year for one of the busiest personalities in baseball, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It means a great deal to all of us,” Rizzs said. “It's really been something to see how much we’ve grown over the last 27 years. It’s really a labor of love.”