Just months after his death, Stanley Gilbert’s family is striving to maintain his legacy and passion during the Christmas season by picking up right where he left off.

The Gilbert’s began working with Toys for Tots roughly five years ago, Christina Gilbert, Stanley Gilbert’s wife said. Stanley Gilbert was always adamant about finding and adopting a family every year around the holidays.

“He wanted to give back to the community, especially at Christmas time,” Gilbert said. “We really want to continue his legacy.”

Stanley Gilbert died in September in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind a wife and children, including a daughter who said her father was, “a really good man.”

The family buys and collects as many toys as possible for the charity and gifts them to children whose families may not have the ability to afford gifts of their own for Christmas.

Christina Gilbert noted one prodigious event during this year’s drawing for four bicycles during the give-away at Christ Memorial Holy Church of God in Christ, Rockingham.

Out of a box full of random names, three out of the four names drawn belonged to one family, the Lewis’.

“I really don’t know how to explain it,” Gilbert said searching for words.

Besides the bicycle drawing, several other children received early Christmas gifts from the Gilbert family.

“It was a really good turn-out,” Christina Gilbert said. “We collected 100-plus gifts. I really want to thank everyone who came out and helped in remembering him, we have to make sure we continue his legacy.”

Staff writer Bryan Stewart can be reached at 997-3111 ext. 15 or by e-mail at bstewart@yourdailyjournal.com.