Donations to the drive were distributed to Orange County Neighborhood Centers for Families and 12 local charity organizations, including OCPS Kid’s Closet, Wraparound Orange and more.
“The power of one toy given can make a huge difference in a child’s life, and this year, like in previous years, Orange County employees and residents really came through in a big way,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “We had more than 950 in donations from our online drive and close to 100 in-person donations during the recent Oath of Office event alone, which was incredible.”
All kinds of toys, including books, basketballs, soccer balls, model cars, toy trucks, sporting equipment, craft kits, junior board games, dolls, Barbie sets, LEGO sets, Tonka toys, action figure sets, skateboards, helmets, and tea sets were received. Thirty kids from struggling Orange County employee families received gifts, as did more than 120 families from the Neighborhood Centers for Families team.
All told, the County reached 98 percent of its goal by the end of the online drive and more than doubled its total pre-COVID toy collection from 2019.
“The annual toy drive means a great deal to me,” continued Mayor Demings, “and every year, when we receive the final numbers, I continue to be thankful to Orange County employees and the local community for their generosity and kindness.”
For more information about the Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive, visit ocfl.net/ToyDrive.
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