Mayor’s Toy Drive Brings Joy to Those Who Need It Most

For Brittney Weech, the holidays are a time of love, resilience and determination.

“I’m a single mom, so I’m working 24/7,” she said. “It gets hard at times, but you’ve got to put on that cape every morning.”

Originally from the Bahamas, Weech moved to Orange County three years ago to build a new life for herself and her daughters. Like many working families, she faces the daily challenge of balancing responsibilities while making ends meet.

Across Florida, more than 4 million households struggle to afford basic needs. Many of those families are employed but still face financial instability, especially during the holiday season.

Through programs like Head Start and local Neighborhood Centers for Families, Weech became connected to Orange County services designed to support families during difficult times. That connection ultimately led her to the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive.

The annual initiative, now in its 16th year, mobilizes County employees, community partners and residents to donate toys for families in need, ensuring children across Orange County can experience the joy of the holidays.

“These are families working every day but are just making enough to survive,” said Danna Jackson-Carroll, senior program manager for the Citizens’ Commission for Children. “Programs like the Toy Drive offer a bridge from families facing challenges to families finding stability.”

When Weech arrived at the Toy Drive, she was not quite sure what to expect.

“It didn’t really hit me until the day of the event,” she said. “When I walked in, I was in shock. I wanted to take it all in.”

The experience quickly became something she and her daughters would never forget.

“The first thing my oldest daughter did was hug me and say, ‘Thank you for always giving me a Christmas,’” she added. “When they saw everything, they didn’t even know where to go first.”

Moments like these highlight the deeper impact of the program — one that goes far beyond the toys themselves.

“It’s important for people to understand the difference they’re making,” asserted Jackson-Carroll. “Something as simple as a toy can bring joy, hope and a sense of normalcy to a family.”

Over the past 15 years, the Mayor’s Toy Drive has collected more than 100,000 toys and supported more than 20,000 families across Orange County.

For Weech, the experience has come full circle.

“Now, any chance I get, I donate,” she said. “I know the smile it put on my kids’ faces, and I want to do that for someone else.”

Through the continued generosity of the community, Orange County’s Mayor’s Toy Drive remains a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact.

 You can support the Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive by dropping off new, unwrapped toys at one of our 40 locations or by purchasing and donating a toy online through our virtual toy store.