Volunteer Alexandria Toy Drive Brings Holiday Joy to Kids
'It’s a warm feeling to see the children’s faces when they pick up their toys,' said Marion Brunken
ALEXANDRIA, VA-In Alexandria, a heartwarming initiative is spreading joy this holiday season. Volunteer Alexandria pulled off another annual toy drive Through the city’s Holiday Sharing Program, children from disadvantaged backgrounds received gifts they might not otherwise have had this year. The program, run by the Department of Community and Human Services, ensures that families in need have access to toys, clothing, groceries, and more. It is a community-driven effort aimed at providing support and happiness, especially during difficult times. Alexandria Women for Good was there to lend a helping hand.
Making the Holidays Bright for Every Child
The Holiday Sharing Program serves families receiving various forms of public assistance. This year, 758 families were registered, with each family receiving personalized gifts. Thanks to generous community sponsors, children’s wish lists are fulfilled, ranging from toys and clothing to grocery gift cards, and even bikes.
However, not every family is able to secure a sponsor. Sp Volunteer Alexandria steps in, ensuring no child is left behind. Marion Brunken, Executive Director of VolALX, explained that toys are distributed by Volunteer Alexandria, which has been supporting the Holiday Sharing Program since 2013.
“We’re not trying to be saviors,” Brunken told The Zebra. “We’re just here to offer joy. Our motto is ‘Better Together,’ and we believe that in tough times, we need strong support systems. And that’s what we’re doing here.”
Volunteers, Community Support, and the Spirit of Giving
One of the standout features of this program is the deep involvement of local volunteers. From sorting toys to organizing gift bags, they work tirelessly to ensure the event runs smoothly. “It’s a warm feeling to see the children’s faces when they pick up their toys,” said Brunken. “Knowing that you’ve helped bring a smile to a child, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
The process was streamlined this year to make the distribution easier for both families and volunteers. Everything was sorted in advance and organized so that families could quickly pick up their gifts based on their children’s wish lists. “Everyone gets the same quality of gifts,” Brunken said, “whether they come today or tomorrow.” This effort ensures no child receives less than another, reinforcing the program’s focus on equality and community.
Sponsorship: A Chance for Local Businesses and Individuals to Make a Difference
Another crucial aspect of the program is the sponsorship opportunity, where individuals and businesses can step in to make a direct impact. Sponsors are matched with families and given a list of children’s wishes, which they then fulfill by purchasing and wrapping gifts. In addition to toys, some sponsors even provide bicycles and grocery gift cards.
The Challenge of Managing Resources
While the program has seen tremendous success, running it is no small feat. As Brunken noted, the program is entirely volunteer-driven, and resources are often stretched thin. “We don’t have the marketing budgets or staff that larger organizations might have,” she added. “We have to operate better than businesses do because we don’t have the luxury of extra hands.”
Despite these challenges, the team at Volunteer Alexandria has developed efficient systems to ensure the event remains organized and the families are well-served. “This is our first year working in this church,” Marion continues. “We’ve had to pivot several times, but we always find a way to make it work.”
A Community Effort: Partnerships with Local Organizations
The success of the program wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of local businesses and organizations. The United Methodist Church has been an incredible partner, offering space and making a substantial donation to help fund the event. “Service unites us,” Brunken said. “It doesn’t matter who you are or how you voted; we come together for a common cause. To serve families in need.”
The program also emphasizes the importance of volunteering, encouraging others to get involved. “Volunteering is good for your body, mind, and soul,” she added.
A Future of Giving
The Holiday Sharing Program is more than just about toys. It’s about coming together as a community to ensure that no child goes without during the holidays. It’s about spreading kindness, fostering a sense of unity, and providing a little light to those who need it most.
As the program continues to grow, there is always room for more support: through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering. To get involved, people and businesses are encouraged to visit Volunteer Alexandria’s website at volunteeralexandria.org.
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