10th Annual AJ's Kids Crane for Rady Children's Hospital

In San Diego, we don’t just recycle and donate clothing to those less fortunate – we dedicate our entire social calendars to giving back and building a strong sense of community in the most original ways. From fashion shows to celebrity chef cook-offs, elegant galas and fun sports tournaments, there are unique San Diego charity events every weekend, especially during the holiday season.

But when it comes to taking a risk and making a personal sacrifice to benefit the entire community, one name always stands apart from the rest: Star 94.1 FM morning show host AJ Machado. For the tenth year in row, AJ will be lifted up 60-feet above ground on a scissor lift “crane” where he will eat, sleep and record live on the air until more than 101,000 new and unwrapped toys are collected for patients of Rady Children’s Hospital. This proud father goes the extra mile to make sure all children have a happy holiday season in San Diego.

It makes you ask yourself: What have I done for the kids lately?

On the morning of Friday, November 4th, AJ was lifted up 60-feet above ground in the official AJ’s Kid’s Crane which will be located in the parking lot of IKEA in Mission Valley. In 2009 it took AJ 7 days to reach his goal of 101,000 toys. How long will it take AJ this year? It’s up to you! New and unwrapped toy donations are encouraged and accepted every day on-site at AJ’s Kids Crane at IKEA, at all San Diego County Medifast locations and at all Pacific Marine Credit Union locations.

The Star 94.1 FM website outlines all the ways you can get involved with AJ’s Kids Crane this year, from detailed toy wish lists to special events and fun giveaways. On the Infant / Toddler wish list are musical toys, board books, sound books, plastic light up toys and teething toys, among others. On the Preschool / School Age wish list are Hot Wheels, Fisher Price People, Mr/Mrs Potato Head, plastic tool kits, plastic animals and dinosaurs, sports balls and I Spy books, among others. On the Teen wish list are journals, Rubik’s Cubes, scrap booking materials and handheld electronic games. More ideas include playing cards, board games, and arts and crafts materials, such as stickers, washable paint, paint brushes, Crayola crayons and washable markers and Play Doh. If you have more to give, treat a local child to the ultimate prize, a portable DVD player, new release DVD movies and Playstation or Xbox games.

AJ’s Kids Crane is turning into quite the party, too, with food trucks lining the parking lot and giveaways going off all day and night. Head down on Monday, November 7th for SeaWorld ticket giveaways and goodies from Sweet Treats Truck, Cupcake Love and Mr. Pig’s BBQ. Tuesday, November 8 is Movie Night, and Star 94.1 will feature a Video Game Trailer via Gamez on Wheelz, and more entertainment giveaways from Broadway San Diego. Head back on Wednesday and Thursday for must-have giveaways from Hornblower Cruises & Events and Disney’s Toy Story on Ice.

For more information and to make a financial donation online, visit star941fm.com.

Discover more ways to give back in our guide to San Diego holiday charity events