Feeding Denver’s Hungry: Cosplay Toy and Food Drive

December 5 on a sunny, Saturday afternoon the Cosplay Toys & Food Drive collected more than 100 toy donations. The folks from 5280 Geek and Feeding Denver’s Hungry brought their best-dressed cosplayers and cars to raise donations for kids in need. Donations such as Star Wars toys, bikes, and Barbies were sorted through by the volunteers ready to help.

This year, the toy drive looked pretty different due to COVID-19 restrictions. In the past, kids could take photos with their favorite cosplayer. People stayed in their cars while cosplayers waved and acted out their characters safely from the street. Disney princesses, Ghostbusters, and more passed by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The 4th Annual Cosplay Toys and Food Drive

Feeding Denver’s Hungry, founded by Jim Scharper, has 100 volunteers under their belt. The warehouse located right next to Mile High Comics was filled with food, clothes, toys, pet supplies, and more all ready to be passed out to people in need.

There were more than 1400 families signed up to receive toys and food donations. On the Feeding Denver’sHungry website, there is a form anyone can fill out to be added to the receiving list.

The cosplay toy and food drive allowed geeks and nerds alike to have some socially distanced fun while enjoying the sunshine. People driving by had smiles on their faces as they took photos of the cosplayers having fun.

“It’s not just a sandwich anymore,” Scharper says.

Feeding Denver’s Hungry started off as a couple people handing out sack lunches where they can. Scharper and his team just welcomed a new conveyer belt into the warehouse. The folks were extremely excited to stretch out the new belt. They said, “Its is going to save hours of back breaking lifting. We are all so excited to put this to use.”

There is another scheduled drive with Feeding Denver’s Hungry January 19, you can find out more information about the whereabouts on their facebook page.

Photos by Justine Johnson