From the Orange County Newsroom
In Summary:
Orange County’s Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive reached a historic milestone this year, collecting 13,076 toys for children and families across the county. A $20,000 donation from Sam’s Club helped push the total beyond last year’s nearly 11,000 toys, bringing the 15-year cumulative total to nearly 110,000 gifts. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings joined families during toy distribution events, emphasizing the community impact of the annual effort.
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Orange County’s 15th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive reached new heights this year, collecting an unprecedented 13,076 toys for local children and families — the most in the event’s history. The outpouring of generosity from County employees, residents, and community partners will brighten the holidays for hundreds of families across Orange County.
Related: A Story Behind Every Gift: Help Toys for Tots Provide Hope This Holiday Season.
“This incredible milestone shows the heart of our community,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “Every toy represents a child who will feel joy this holiday season because someone cared enough to give. I’m so proud of our employees and residents for coming together once again to make a real difference.”
A generous $20,000 donation from Sam’s Club helped boost this year’s record-breaking total, which surpassed last year’s collection of nearly 11,000 toys. Over the past 15 years, the Toy Drive has now gathered nearly 110,000 gifts for local youth — from infants to teens — served by Orange County’s Neighborhood Centers for Families and other local organizations.
Mayor Demings helped distribute toys on Thursday, December 18, to families that registered through the Neighborhood Centers for Families. Four families joined the Mayor to personally select toys, while additional families received their presents through a drive-through distribution.
“I’ve never experienced something like this before. I think it’s a blessing for the holiday,” said Brittney Weech, mom of two. “I’m very, very grateful. Prayers do come true when you do need that help before the holidays.”
Orange County departments once again led the way with friendly competition and remarkable contributions. This year’s top-performing departments and divisions included:
- Planning, Environmental and Development Services – 1,279 toys
- Orange County Utilities – 1,201 toys
- Orange County Library System – 893 toys
- Citizens’ Commission for Children – 762 toys
- Orange County Parks and Recreation – 742 toys
- Orange County Corrections – 701 toys
- Orange County Public Works – 543 toys
The Mayor praised the outstanding participation across departments: “Our employees consistently go above and beyond — not only in their daily service to residents, but also in their generosity during the holiday season.”
Launched in 2011, the Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive has grown into one of the region’s largest community giving efforts. Donations stay entirely within Orange County, ensuring that every gift benefits local families in need.
Key Points:
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The 2025 Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive collected a record 13,076 toys, the most in the event’s history.
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A $20,000 donation from Sam’s Club helped surpass last year’s total.
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Nearly 110,000 toys have been distributed since the drive launched in 2011.
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Toys were distributed to families registered through Orange County’s Neighborhood Centers for Families.
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County departments led donation efforts, with Planning, Environmental, and Development Services contributing the most toys.
To learn more or support future drives, visit Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive.
