For the past few years, Nourishing Hope has had the privilege of hosting a toy drive that brings much-needed joy to families who need it most. Each year, we’ve been able to serve over 500 families, giving kids the kind of happiness they deserve during the holidays. But this year, we were able to do even more.

We served 580 kids — 30 more than last year — despite being open for just two days. It’s a reminder that even in challenging times, community support can make all the difference.

The annual toy drive is more than just about giving gifts — it’s about creating moments of joy for families who may be struggling to make ends meet. Nourishing Hope continues to partner with the Babiarz family to keep the toy drive going in the memory of Vincent Babiarz.

For families like Mireidys Hernandez’s, the toy drive meant the world.

Hernandez, 32, stands outside Sheridan Market after selecting toys for her three children.

As she picked out toys for her children, Hernandez said in Spanish, “Gracias a Dios y a ustedes. Ahora tenemos regalos para Navidad este año. No es mucho, pero ahora lo tenemos. Lo que tenemos aquí será todo para nuestra Navidad. Muchas gracias.”

“Thank God and thank you all. We now have presents for Christmas this year. It’s not much, but now we have them. What we have here will be all for our Christmas. Thank you very much.” 

For so many families, just having something to give their kids can feel like a huge relief.

Eva Jaramillo, a mom of three, came to the Toy Room with her daughters and shared how much a simple stuffed dog would mean to them. “We can’t have animals in our apartment building — so this is the next best thing. My girls are going to be so happy to have this toy dog.”

Jaramillo, 44, poses outside Sheridan Market with toys from the Toy Room.

Many families like Jaramillo’s face limitations — whether it’s housing restrictions or tight budgets — that make providing certain comforts difficult. For her, a small toy became a source of happiness for her daughters. And it’s not just about the toy — it’s about the sense of normalcy and joy that it brings to a child’s holiday season.

“Thank you to Nourishing Hope. Everyone was so kind and helpful today. It feels like the holidays,” Jaramillo said.

Darlena Peacock was equally appreciative of the toy room. She couldn’t stop saying, “My kids will be so happy to have some items. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” 

Peacock, 56, chooses toys and games from the Toy Room.

For 5-year-old Riley Joiner, it was pure excitement when she exclaimed, “Wow! Yay! Thank you!” The look on her face said it all — this was a moment she would remember. 

Joiner points to a toy with excitement.

We’re deeply grateful for everyone who made this year’s toy drive a success. From those who donated toys, to the volunteers who helped families pick out the perfect gift – your support means everything. As we look ahead to next year, we’re excited to continue spreading holiday cheer to even more families.

Together, we’re making the holidays joyful for so many. We look forward to doing it all over again next year!