Toy Drive Collaboration Leads to Happy Holidays for Families

Orange County Government emphasizes collaboration in its projects throughout the community, including collecting more than 4,100 toys for families in need during this holiday season. The annual Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive, which ran from November 12 through December 10, 2019, has grown into a highly anticipated event for County employees, volunteers and the extended Central Florida community. Since its inception in 2011, more than 43,300 toys have been collected and distributed to families across Orange County.

As a surprise, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings welcomed families during this year’s holiday-shopping event at the Pine Hills Neighborhood Center for Families, helping parents pick out and wrap toys for their children. “This is my favorite time of year because it is all about giving back,” said Mayor Demings. “Our community came together to give these gifts to families in need.”

Dozens of County employees not only helped sort toys, but also volunteered to assemble and deliver the donations to several Orange County youth and family agencies. Planning for the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive often starts in the summer, with some employees and local organizations collecting toys throughout the year. For more information about the Toy Drive, visit ocfl.net/ToyDrive.

Photo Caption: Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings helps parents select gifts during the annual Holiday Heroes Toy Drive Shopping event.