The holidays are often considered a season of joy—but for many hard-working families in Orange County, they are also a time of stress. Rising costs, tight budgets, and the pressure to create a magical holiday experience for their children can feel overwhelming. But this year, through our SparkJoy holiday toy drive for children, community members came together to support hundreds of Orange County families.
A Toy Drive to Empower Family Financial Stability
The holiday toy drive for children is about more than fulfilling wish lists. It aims to support hard-working parents and alleviate some financial strain so they can focus on what truly matters: time together, hope, and belonging.
Most of the families who had wish lists fulfilled were participants in our SparkPoint OC Financial Empowerment program. Others were parents who called our 2-1-1 Orange County helpline, a free, confidential resource that connects individuals and families to vital community services when they need help navigating challenging times.
Our holiday toy drive serves Orange County families who are working hard to build stability—saving, budgeting, increasing income, and planning for a stronger future. During the holidays, however, even the most careful financial plans can be stretched thin.
“At Orange County United Way, we see every family’s journey toward financial stability as a story of hope and determination,” said Nancy De León, Senior Financial Case Manager, SparkPoint OC, Orange County United Way. “Through SparkPoint OC’s one-on-one financial coaching, we empower parents to plan for the future. And during our holiday SparkJoy event, we bring a little extra magic. These moments of joy lift spirits, ease financial stress, and remind families that the hard work they’re doing today is building a brighter tomorrow.”
Turning Generosity Into Impact
Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, more than 950 Orange County children had their holiday wish lists fulfilled! Community members purchased toys, books, games, and other thoughtful gifts. Their intention and care transformed simple acts of giving into moments of joy that children will remember long after the holidays.
“One young girl was especially excited about an art set she received,” Nancy shared. “She told us, ‘Thank you for the best ever gift.’ Moments like that really show the significant impact our holiday toy drive for children has on our families.”
For parents, the impact was just as meaningful. By alleviating the financial burden of holiday gifts, families were able to stay on track with their goals, avoid taking on additional debt, and enjoy the season with relief rather than worry.
Many parents were surprised and deeply thankful that their child received a beautifully wrapped gift straight from their wish list. One local single mother had recently moved into her own apartment after being unhoused for several months. With all the costs of securing housing, she couldn’t afford holiday gifts. She expressed how incredibly grateful she was to receive presents for her two young daughters.
A Community Effort Rooted in Care
What made this holiday toy drive especially meaningful is the way it brought people together. Neighbors, coworkers, and entire families volunteered—many choosing to unite and give back.
These efforts also highlighted the importance of volunteer opportunities for families. Parents and children modeled generosity, empathy, and community engagement together. For many volunteers, fulfilling a child’s wish list became a powerful reminder of how impactful small, thoughtful actions can be.
“It’s a remarkable feeling to put joy and wonder in the air,” said Nicole Powley, local volunteer and employee at Auto Club Enterprises. “I think leading by example is a good way of doing that. And I hope that others see the excitement and enthusiasm I have. I love that I could be a part of something so rewarding.”
More Than Toys—A Message of Belonging
While toys were the tangible outcome of this holiday toy drive for children, the deeper impact went far beyond gifts. Each fulfilled wish sent a clear message to families: you are seen, you are valued, and your community is walking alongside you.
Children felt the excitement and magic of the holidays. Parents felt supported rather than isolated. And volunteers felt the profound satisfaction that comes from knowing their generosity directly eased someone else’s burden.
“I am inspired,” said Diana McCutchen, local volunteer. “I’ve participated before and I’ve recommended it to some of my friends to also participate with SparkJoy. It’s a great way to give back and help Orange County families that could use some support.”
Strengthening Financial Empowerment Through Compassion
By pairing holiday support with year-round financial empowerment, this effort reinforced a critical truth: stability is built not only through education and resources, but also through compassion and community care.
When families don’t have to choose between paying bills and making holiday memories, they can continue moving forward with confidence. And when community members come together through volunteer opportunities for families, everyone benefits—those giving and those receiving alike.
Thank You for Making the Holidays Brighter
To every donor, volunteer, and supporter who participated: thank you. Your kindness helped transform what could have been a stressful season into one filled with joy, dignity, and hope for Orange County families.
Together, you showed that when a community rallies around its families, the impact lasts far beyond the holidays.
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As part of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security initiative, SparkPoint OC and SparkJoy work alongside other programs like OC Free Tax Prep and UpSkill OC to create brighter financial futures for local families.
