Toikeith’s Story
In the quiet town of Hawthorne, Florida, Toikeith's journey began. Born in Gainesville but raised in Hawthorne since infancy due to the absence of a local hospital, his childhood was marked by tranquility, even if it meant creating his own entertainment in a place where options were limited. Fishing became a cherished pastime, complemented by games like tackle football and basketball.
His love for fishing endured and evolved into a lifelong passion. Armed with a fishing rod, Toikeith is always ready to explore any body of water that beckons his line, eagerly seeking untouched ponds where he can uncover nature's secrets. Drawing inspiration from his days as a Boy Scout, he embraces a spirit of preparedness, a trait instilled during his Karate training, where he also learned the values of discipline and self-control.
Beyond the water's edge, Toikeith's artistic side shines. Drawing has been a constant companion in his life, from early attempts at replicating beloved cartoon characters to the relentless pursuit of perfection. He expanded his artistic repertoire, venturing into the world of plants and eventually capturing the essence of people. This artistic flair runs in the family, with his late brother and father also sharing a love for drawing.
Musical talents have found a place in his heart as well. Although his desire to play the drums was stymied in sixth grade due to limited instruments, he persevered, mastering the baritone and eventually conquering the drums. His passion extended to the keyboard, even though the piano was financially out of reach. Playing by ear, Toikeith found joy in making music, a talent that has endured over the years.
While college is not in his immediate plans, Toikeith aspires to embark on a different path—a transportation business. With nine years of experience at MV Transportation, which focused on assisting individuals with disabilities in their transportation needs, he hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of others, inspired by his late brother, who faced quadriplegia.
For the past two years, Toikeith has found fulfillment at the Tacachale Developmental Disability Center. He provides meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to residents, earning warm applause and welcomes from those he serves.
Although he doesn't have children of his own, Toikeith's heart is full of love for his 14 nieces and nephews, and he cherishes the moments spent with them, even though distances separate their homes.
Toikeith's connection to Alachua Habitat for Humanity was born from the desire for a safe and affordable home. He dispelled the misconception that one needed to have children to be eligible for the program and, guided by faith, filled out the Habitat application. Fortunately, the approval came swiftly, reinforcing his belief in divine intervention. For him, being a homeowner signifies stability, the creation of generational wealth, the attainment of equity, and immense pride—an embodiment of hard work and determination.
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We all deserve to have a decent life. We deserve to feel strength and stability day after day. We deserve to know we have the power to care for ourselves and our families and build our futures. At Habitat for Humanity, this principle is what unites us. Through shelter, we empower. Our shared vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Because we are all humans. And every single one of us deserves the opportunity for a better future.