TOY ANN MCCRAY HAWTHORNE  AKA BLAQ ISIS

I have a passion to serve. God has blessed me so much, from the struggles of being a single mom, raising a daughter, attending college, studying countless of hours, getting a degree, all while working a full time job. In addition, helping my mom take care of my father, who received brain damage due to a tragic accident he suffered. I've experienced the worst that life has to offer and this is why I empathize so much with those whom I serve. I was giving a second chance at life and although it has taken time for me to get to where I am today, life has showed me that delayed does not mean denied. This is my passion, my motivation and my drive in every day life. Every day I strive to make a difference in this world and in the lives of those whose paths I cross. I truly believe that there are only two reasons why we exist, to serve God and to serve humanity.  


- Toy Ann McCray aka Blaq Isis

Her organizing skills allows her to bring leaders together. She lives by the motto, individually we are great, but collectively we are powerful.

NOT EVEN COVID COULD STOP TOY ANN MCCRAY

IT'S A BLESSING TO BE A BLESSING

Toy developed a sleepover program for young teen girls that would give them an opportunity to share things that they couldn't share at home. Also, it provides a safe environment for them to have fun on a Friday night.


She assembled female mentors throughout the city to assist in this amazing program. Watch the love, the sincerity and the spirit of these young adults as they release and let go of their hurt and pain.

SHARING A MOMENT WITH THE HOMELESS

TOY ANN MCCRAY

DELIVERS

THE BEST COMMENCEMENT SPEECH OF 2020

Community activist Toy Ann McCray aka Blaq Isis and her husband, poet/activist Blaq Ice share a moment together serving the poor in need, delivering coats, hats and scarfs to the homeless on Chicago's lower Wacker Dr. and the Door Of Hope Men's Shelter.

SLEEPOVER FOR SUCCESS PROGRAM 

TOY RECEIVES HIGHEST HONOR FROM UPS

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

UNITED PARCEL SERVICE

PRESIDENTIAL HONOR

HEART THREADS AND POINT OF LIGHT FEATURE 4/26/21

2021 AWARDS AND HONORS

FOX NEWS               RED CROSS         POINT OF LIGHT

NATIONAL AND LOCAL NEWS HONORS/AWARDS

BLAQ ISIS ADOPTS THE IMPACT FAMILY CENTER

FOX NEWS VOICES OF CHANGE AND NBC 5 MAKING A DIFFERENCE

THE P.O.E.T MOVEMENT

Toy volunteers every year, representing her company UPS at the Annual Special Olympics games in the Chicagoland area. Not only does she volunteer, but she brings her organization P.O.E.T with her.

TOY LEADS THE FEEDING MY STARVING CHILDREN UPS DAY

In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Toy Ann received the Presidential award from the White House for community service. This is the highest honor that an American citizen can receive from the United States.


This award is the culmination of hard work and sacrifice. It is a well deserved honor. 

P.O.E.T BREAKTHROUGH PROGRAM AT COOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1/15/20

Toy adopted the IMPACT FAMILY CENTER and personally took it upon herself to help mentor and provide for at risk teens in the Roseland, Englewood and Auburn Gresham communities. 


When their trailer was broken into and all of their school supplies were stolen, she not only helped to raise money to replace the supplies, but she also matched the dollar amount that was raised, making sure they had enough to start their school year off right.

As a young child my mother impressed upon me the importance of giving back to the community. Under her mentorship I served the community from a child until an adult. In 2009, I met the President of the international artist/activist organization called P.O.E.T. He shared his testimony about loosing his 15 year old son to osteosarcoma cancer. I felt the hurt and pain in his voice as he shared his truth. He also shared that this experience was his motivation to save as many lives as he could. Believing in his vision, I shortly became a member of the organization. Since joining I have traveled the midwest feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, mentoring the youth in schools and prisons.


- Toy Ann McCray AKA Blaq Isis

SLEEPOVER FOR SUCCESS 2020 ​ AND PAINT PARTY 2021