Can anything come from a baby’s death?

BY Aprile McKinnon

Tragedy can sometimes lead to something positive. Is there anything more tragic than losing a child?

Alejandra Varela and her husband Diego Quintero lost their baby boy Arturo because of a drunk driver two years before moving to Canyon Lake in 2021. She has since founded Arturo’s Toy Box, an organization that provides toys for children in hospitals.

Photo provided by Alejandra Varela

The charity was established in August 2019, just two months after they lost their baby in a car accident. They were on their way to celebrate their first Father’s Day on June 16, 2019 when a drunk driver crashed into their car.

While Arturo was in the hospital, Alejandra noticed many families who had to leave their children alone because they had to work. She shared an idea with her family and friends, which eventually turned into Arturo’s Toy Box.

Arturo’s Toy Box came to life with donations being given from family and friends of new toys to be shared with the children at Loma Linda Hospital where Arturo was still fighting for his life. Arturo died on July 2, 2019, but Alejandra said his spirit lives on through the organization.

Arturo’s Toy Box is now responsible for bringing happiness to children who are going through difficult times in the hospital. The foundation makes donations throughout the year, but the most donations are given during the Christmas season. Social media has promoted the toy donations and more and more people have joined in with giving toys.

Diego Quintera and Alejandra Varela pose in front of the “A Victim’s Voice Will Be Heard” monument after the drunk driver who caused the death of their baby was convicted. Photo provided by Alejandra Varela

Diego, Arturo’s father, runs a Canyon Lake auto detailing and powerwashing company, which is also named after their son, “Arturo Power Washing.” Arturo’s Toy Box has received a lot of help and donations from his clients.

The foundation has provided 18 personalized toy boxes for children with health complications in different parts of the country. They have also visited different hospitals, clinics and institutions to donate.

Due to COVID-19, the foundation took a year and a half off, but are now back at full strength.

“I find people and institutions to help by sending emails and by contacting mothers on social media whose children are going through a complicated health situation,” Alejandra said. “ I ask them if I can send their loved one a toy box. I get information on what they like and I get to work on their box.”

Alejandra Varela holding their daughter Aranza Quintero along with husband Diego Arturo Quintero. Photo provided by Alejandra Varela

In 2021, Alejandra and her family moved to Canyon Lake.

“We love the people and how safe it is here,” she said. “We love the activities and everyday walks such as going to the parks. The Canyon Lake community has supported us the most.”

The largest donation Arturo’s Toy Box has received came from the “Ugly Sweater Poker Run” organized by Josh Steeber. Santa and his elves dropped off tons of gifts to Arturo’s Toy Box. The huge donation went to three Ronald McDonald Houses and four orphanages in Tijuana.

The organization’s next event will be on June 16, which will mark the fourth anniversary of the tragic accident that led to the loss of Arturo. Alejandra hopes that Arturo’s Toy Box will continue to grow and be a light in the lives of others.

For more information on Arturo’s Toy Box contact Alejandra at varela.av09@gmail.com.