The Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive kicked-off on Monday, November 15, 2021. All donations go to help local families in need during the holiday season.

2021 Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive Ready for Lift Off

Community & Services

It’s that time of year again for the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive, which has distributed more than 56,000 toys to local children and families in need during the holiday season. This year’s Toy Drive will kick off on November 15, 2021, with live coverage on FOX 35 News. And like last year, both online and in-person donation options will be made available.

“This event brings together the community, as well as Orange County employees, and it gives everyone the opportunity to create excitement over the important concept of giving during the holidays,” said Stephen Sperandio, Toy Drive manager. “We always receive incredible support from all our divisions, whether its Corrections, Parks & Recreation, the History Center … everyone wants to help.”

Sperandio noted this year’s online donation option will once again give employees who have been working remotely due to COVID-19 the opportunity to get involved. He also stressed the importance of Orange County community organizations such as the Neighborhood Centers for Families, Wrap Around Orange and Orange County Public Schools Kids’ Closet all coming together to make this event so successful every year.

room filled with holiday toys.

Last year, more than 10,000 toys were collected for families in need, more than doubling the amount donated in 2019. Some important dates for this year’s Toy Drive include:

  • Monday, November 15: Toy Drive Launch/Online Donations Launch/Fox 35 Kick Off
  • Monday, December 6: Online Donations End
  • Monday, December 13: In-Person Donations End/Toy Drive Ends

“The last few years have been especially hard on many families in the region due to the pandemic, and our hope is this year’s Toy Drive helps put smiles on children’s faces this holiday season,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. “It’s about our community coming together to give to others, which is why this is my favorite time of year.”

Sperandio agrees that many people go without over the holidays, which is why this event, and providing donations, is so impactful. “This year we’re also stressing the importance of gifts for teenagers, who are often overlooked as an age group,” he added. “Also, we want to remind everyone we’re only accepting new and unwrapped toys, which makes it easier for our volunteers to assemble and deliver the donations to the various youth and family agencies across the county.”

For more information about the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive, including suggested toys, visit ocfl.net/ToyDrive.

 

Watch the Orange Fox35 segment for the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive on OrangeTV. 

 

Photo Caption: Mayor Demings kicks off the annual Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive with Fox35 and Edge Effect at the County Administration Center on Monday, November 15, 2021.

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