Photo by Carte Bisbee - Pictured are Derik Nissell's nephews, Steven Nissell (infant) and Grayson Dickey, along with Derik's niece, Lilly Nissell.
The Derik Nissell Toy Drive is now in its third year and continues not only his devotion to the toy drive, but also brings along his spirit for the holiday. His belief was, "each child should have a new toy to open on Christmas Day." The drive continues his belief thanks to the continuous devotion of many who feel the same and because of that donations continue to pour in.
The local toy drive began in 2016 after Nissel's untimely passing that struck the heart of the area. Many local businesses jumped in to partake in the growing annual tradition to continue his charitable work. The drive benefits children from all over the area and organizers hope to keep it going year after year. Since the very first year of the drive, thousands of toys have helped hundreds of families have gifts for their children on Christmas morning.
Local residents speak very highly of Nissell and the importance of children having a great Christmas. Many say it motivates them to keep the drive going and mention his friends and family should be very proud of the impact he has had and continues to have around the area. One man's goal has turned into a widespread achievement that will forever be met because of the spirits many refuse to let go, the spirit of caring and the spirit of giving.
"Derik was just so devoted to the whole thing each year when he was at the shipyard," Lisa Olsen said. "One of Derik's coworkers told us he would check the donation bins at work every day to see if both the boys and girls were getting equally full. He would bring a toy with him almost every day to work."
She continued, "this guy was probably in his 40's. He said he should have done the same thing every day too but didn't. But said he would be for now on. Derik's impact to others went so deep and I am glad his mom is keeping the spirit alive with the toy drive. He was such a wonderful man and such a kind spirit."
In 2017, Flowers by Lynne in Raymond had a drop off box that filled over and this year the shop is on track to do the same. All the other drop off boxes had similar donation turnouts too. The drive this year began in November and will run until the pickup day on Friday, December 14 with hopes of exceeding past years. The toys will then be distributed on Saturday, December 15 by the Ministerial Association Toy House.
Drop off locations this year are at: Flowers by Lynne in Raymond, Pioneer Grocery in South Bend, Courthouse Annex in South Bend, and the Pacific County Treasurer's Office.
Derik's personal Facebook page continues to receive comments from loved ones and friends to this day regarding the drive with one commenting, "what an amazing heart that will always live on. I'll never stop missing your smile and spirit." From all sources the Herald has spoken with about Nissell and his impact, no better words can be spoken.