Inside ‘Organized Chaos’

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Behind every present under a Christmas tree rests an inspiring story. For hundreds of Alexandria families facing financial hardship, that story starts with a caring community.

At Volunteer Alexandria, the annual Toys for ALX drive offers far more than presents. It preserves dignity, empowers parents, and reminds struggling families that their neighbors care.

Executive Director Marion Brunken and longtime volunteer Elizabeth Murphy lead the massive effort. Together, they turn thousands of donated toys into joyful holiday memories for local children.

The undertaking requires months of preparation, dozens of community partners, and over 200 volunteers. Behind the festive decorations, Santa visits, and gift-wrapping stations lies a remarkably sophisticated operation.

Brunken has a name for it.

“Organized chaos,” she said with a laugh.

A Holiday Tradition Built on Community

Volunteer Alexandria took over the holiday toy drive in 2013, running its first full operation in 2014. Since then, the initiative has grown into a powerful model of community collaboration.

Planning begins every September. Brunken and Murphy first tackle a major challenge: finding enough space for thousands of toys, sorting stations, and visiting families.

For the past two years, the team has used the former T.J. Maxx space at Potomac Yard. A generous property owner made the vacant retail space available.

Behind the Scenes: Every Toy Counts

Securing a venue marks only the first step.

Workers set up tables, distribute collection boxes, recruit helpers, and sort toys by age group. Volunteers inventory every donated item before families arrive.

“We count every single toy,” Brunken explained.

That painstaking count serves a vital purpose. Organizers partner with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services, which runs the Holiday Sharing program. Together, they determine how many children will arrive during each shopping window.

Organizers then divide the toys evenly across every time slot. This ensures families who arrive later enjoy the same choices as those who arrive first.

“It doesn’t matter if you come at 11, or you come at 4,” Brunken said. “You still will have the same variety of toys.”

The city’s Holiday Sharing program has registered more than 1,000 families. Organizers expect about half of them to shop at the toy drive. Individual sponsors assist the remaining families.

Giving Parents the Gift of Choice

Toys for ALX features a profound touch that many donors never see: parents choose the gifts themselves.

Parents do not receive a prepackaged box of toys. Instead, they step into a festive shopping room where volunteers help them select age-appropriate presents.

Parents then wrap and label each gift on-site, taking them home to give as their own.

Dignity Matters as Much as Donations

Brunken understands financial hardship from personal experience, making this approach fundamental.

“I grew up poor,” she said. “I know what it means for somebody who’s poor to go and ask for help.”

She trains volunteers to welcome families warmly, without judgment or assumptions.

A parent might work two jobs, shoulder medical bills, or cope with a sudden job loss. None of those struggles should diminish the respect they receive.

“We don’t look down on you,” Brunken said. “I’m just here to help you.”

Murphy agrees that direct participation transforms the entire experience.

“They do get to choose what their child opens up,” she said.

The organizers create a cheerful atmosphere. Volunteers dress as elves, Santa greets visitors, and fun activities entertain children while parents shop.

The team shares a clear goal: families must leave feeling welcomed, respected, and embraced by the holiday spirit.

A Mother-Daughter Tradition Becomes a Calling

Murphy’s involvement began more than a decade ago. She searched Volunteer Alexandria’s database for an opportunity to share with her daughter.

The holiday toy drive caught her eye.

Together, they unloaded storage containers, sorted donations, and prepared gifts for distribution. That shared project quickly became a lasting commitment.

“We enjoyed it so much that we just kept coming back,” Murphy recalled.

After retiring in 2021, Murphy offered to take on greater responsibility. Brunken eagerly handed her the reins of the toy drive.

Today, Murphy leads the annual drive alongside Brunken, staff members, and returning volunteers.

“I love it because you see the faces of the families who are benefiting when they come in to shop the toys,” Murphy said. “It’s just heartwarming.”

The Volunteers Who Keep Coming Back

Both leaders view returning volunteers as the program’s greatest strength.

Some participants have volunteered for years. Former youth volunteers now bring their own children to help. Bilingual volunteers assist non-English-speaking families, while local businesses contribute staff, funds, and collection sites.

Brunken admires the people who pause busy lives, carry heavy boxes, and return year after year. To her, that dedication represents Alexandria at its finest.

46 Years of Connecting Alexandria

The toy drive reflects the broader mission of Volunteer Alexandria, which celebrates its 46th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1980 to connect residents with volunteer opportunities, the organization strengthens the city’s entire nonprofit community.

Brunken took the helm as executive director in August 2012. She transformed the agency from a traditional clearinghouse into a powerful strategic partner for community impact.

Today, Volunteer Alexandria trains workers, recruits volunteers, and matches specialized skills with nonprofit needs.

A graphic designer helps a charity with communications. A retired executive serves on a governing board. Other residents tutor students, mentor young people, or assist homebound neighbors.

“We do more than just connecting people,” Brunken said. “We help people to understand what Alexandrians are facing and need.”

Service Doesn’t End With the Holidays

The organization’s mission continues long after holiday decorations come down.

Brunken hopes the toy drive inspires residents to make long-term community commitments. Local nonprofits continually need support for food security, healthcare, and education.

Alexandria Businesses Answer the Call

The 2026 Toys for ALX collection campaign runs from November 16 through December 14.

Murphy said 58 organizations have already pledged support through toy drives, financial donations, or online purchases.

Participating storefronts across Alexandria will display signs marking public drop-off locations. Volunteer Alexandria lists all locations on its website.

The Greatest Need: Gifts for Babies and Teens

Organizers urgently need new gifts for infants (ages 0 to 2) and teenagers (ages 10 to 18). These two groups traditionally receive fewer donations. 

This year’s teen wish list features hoodies and other popular items.

To maximize the impact of every contribution, Brunken advises donors to select items priced between $10 and $30. Additionally, she recommends avoiding stuffed animals, as parents rarely select them.

Residents can also donate gift cards, buy from the online registry, or sign up for volunteer shifts. Even a two-hour shift makes a big impact.

More Than Presents, a Community That Cares

As another holiday season nears, Brunken and Murphy prepare for the familiar rush of boxes, supplies, and eager families.

The work demands long hours and complex planning, but the real reward runs much deeper. Parents choose gifts with pride, children feel the season’s magic, and neighbors uplift neighbors.

For Volunteer Alexandria, that connection captures the true holiday spirit.

To donate, volunteer, or find a drop-off bin, visit Volunteer Alexandria at https://www.volunteeralexandria.org/