Beyond Toys: A Decade of Giving Back with Toys for Tots

 

December isn't just about twinkling lights, wrapped gifts, and holiday cheer—it's also about giving back. For our family, that means Toys for Tots. For the past decade, this tradition has evolved into more than a volunteer opportunity; it's become a calling, a way to show our kids that some families need extra help, hope, and love during Christmas.

This mission goes far beyond toys. It's about lifting burdens and bringing joy to homes that might otherwise feel empty during the holidays. From registration to toy drives, sorting, cleaning, organizing, and packaging—it's intense, exhausting work. But when you witness the gratitude in a parent's eyes or the pure excitement of a child clutching their gift, every long hour becomes worth it.

The Reality of Service

I'll be honest—volunteering at this level isn't easy. Over the years, we've shopped for toys at 2 or 3 a.m., worked late into the night, moved between different warehouse locations, and adapted to various distribution sites. Each year brings new challenges, new spaces to transform, and new logistics to master. We work long days, sacrifice precious time with our own families, and pour ourselves into planning and organizing for the big distribution day.

No one receives a paycheck, but the reward is priceless: knowing we've helped families feel seen, valued, and loved. Behind the scenes, it takes an army of volunteers, and we couldn't accomplish any of this without them. They give their time, energy, and hearts to make this happen year after year.

There are moments when reality hits hard. Late at night, I collapse on the couch, so exhausted I can barely keep my eyes open, and I wonder, "Why do I keep doing this?" The physical exhaustion is absolute—my feet hurt, my back aches, and my mind is foggy. The stress is overwhelming. But even in those moments when I'm too tired to move, I remember: it's beyond me. It's about love. It's about hope. And it's about the team that has become like family.

A Personal Connection

Four years ago, I was the parent volunteering, pouring my heart into this mission while carrying a heavy secret—I couldn't afford to give my own children the Christmas I desperately wanted them to have. No one knew our struggle. But as always, our warehouse coordinator made it her practice to check in and ensure every faithful volunteer was taken care of, offering toys for their own families.

She didn't know she was blessing us in such a profound way. Her kindness brought tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart because no one knew how hard things were for us. But in God's tangible way, He used her and this team to bless us exactly when we needed it most. What a blessing that was.

That experience made my commitment to this mission even more purposeful—not just because they helped me, but because I walked through the very promise of their mission that year. I experienced firsthand what it means to be seen, cared for, and loved by this community. Every year we help, we don't expect anything in return. But the team cares for their faithful volunteers, and that's why I love being part of it. Everyone—myself included—does this out of love. Love for the people we work alongside. Love for the families we're able to help. Love for what we do.

As someone who experienced this blessing herself, how could I not keep going? How could I not share the same hope with other families that was shared with me? This mission transformed my life, and now I get to be part of changing others' lives too.

Through It All, We've Been Faithful

Ten years. Different warehouses. Different distribution centers. Countless 3 a.m. shopping trips. Late nights that blur into early mornings. It's all been interesting—sometimes chaotic, often unpredictable, always meaningful. Through every challenge, every location change, every exhausting season, we've remained faithful to this mission. Because some commitments are worth keeping, no matter how hard they get.

This Year's Journey

This year was no different in its demands. Our distribution day fell on December 21st—always cutting it close to Christmas. On December 22nd, we held late registration for families who missed the deadline or were not aware of us. We do everything we can to ensure no child is left behind, though I'll admit it's challenging to meet the needs of older kids. Our chapter serves newborns through 17-year-olds, and while donations are generous, we always wish we could do more.

By the end of it all, I was beyond exhausted—mentally, physically, and emotionally drained. This year, I didn't even feel like cooking for Christmas. All I wanted was sleep and silence. But deep down, I know every ounce of effort was worth it. Because this isn't just about toys—it's about hope, love, and community coming together to make magic happen.

An Invitation

If you've ever thought about volunteering, let me tell you: it's hard work, but it's life-changing. Nonprofits depend on trustworthy, dependable people. This kind of work—any nonprofit work, really—is complex, challenging, and time-consuming. But if you feel called to help, we ask that you truly commit. Be trustworthy. Be dependable. Be faithful to the mission.

Many people have come and gone over the years, but very few have stayed on our team. Those people who remain are priceless—they have been faithful, loyal, and trustworthy through every season. Please use your skills and talents for this mission. It will be greatly appreciated.

All help is welcome. Every year, we need many volunteers to help with toy drives, driving to pick up or drop off boxes at various locations, and sorting and organizing at the warehouse. Your kindness and support bring hope to so many families. Seeing those faces—some crying, some smiling—because of the gratitude they feel is priceless. It's an opportunity to witness hope, love, and happiness in action. It's ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

You'll gain more than you give. You'll witness the power of kindness in action. And you'll become part of something bigger than yourself—a movement of people who show up, stay committed, and change lives one family at a time.

This Christmas season, whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread awareness, remember that every act of kindness ripples outward. Ten years in, I'm tired but grateful. And I'll be back next year, because some callings are worth answering again and again. Because this isn't just about toys—it's about hope, love, and the beautiful cycle of giving back that transforms both the giver and the receiver.

I hope my words touch your heart and encourage you to volunteer in any capacity—through a church, nonprofit, club, or organization. Any help you provide makes a significant difference to those you support. If you want to join our team, please click the link below, and we would love to have you. Our volunteers range in age from 6 to 76. Everyone is welcome to lend a hand. This is an excellent opportunity to volunteer as a family, like mine does. Trust me, it will leave a lasting imprint on your children's hearts.