Update: The Orange County Holiday Heroes Toy Drive exceeded it’s goal expectations for 2014 collecting 4,655 toys after collecting 3,850 toys in 2013 and more than 2,600 toys in 2012.
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs states, “My heart is so touched by those who have collected so many toys for our neighbors in need. Working together, the generous hearts of our employees, citizens and community are truly making Orange County the best place in the world to live, learn, work and raise a family.”
Here is our original story published on December 4th, 2014:
Toys are still needed for Mayor Jacobs Holiday Heroes Toy Drive. Mayor Teresa Jacobs invites the community to bring a smile to the faces of children in Orange County who may not have a single present to open this holiday season.
Holiday Heroes Toy Drive
Orange County citizens and employees are uniting to help struggling families during the season of giving. Last year, the community collected more than 3,850 toys for area children and more than 2,600 were generously donated in 2012.
This is the fourth annual Holiday Heroes Toy Drive and donations will be provided to local families and children in need through the Orange County Neighborhood Centers for Families, Orange County Public Schools’ homeless program, the Community Food and Outreach Center, Wraparound Orange and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in Orlando.
“For me, the best part of the holidays is seeing the joy on our children’s faces,” Mayor Jacobs said. “Together we can help restore the true spirit of the holidays, the spirit of giving and the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors. That’s what we do best in Orange County.”
Toy Drive Donations
Suggested donations include basketballs, soccer balls, model cars, trucks, sporting equipment, craft kits, junior board games, dolls, Barbie sets, LEGOs, Tonka toys, action figures and sets, skateboards, helmets and tea sets.
Donations can be dropped off throughout Orange County facilities, including all Orange County fire stations, Orange County recreational centers, and the Orange County History Center.
Citizens are also invited to join in celebrating the season at Orange County’s annual Holiday at Heritage Square event hosted on Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Orange County Regional History Center, 65 E Central Blvd.
Mayor Jacobs will flip the switch to light up the heart of downtown Orlando with popular regional mascots and special princesses from blockbuster animated films. At this free and festive holiday celebration, guests will enjoy musical performances from Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker, Faith Assembly Church Choir, the Grand Avenue Elementary School Choir and the Hillcrest Elementary School Choir.
FOX 35 is the official media partner and some of their well-known TV personalities will be at the event. Florida Dairy Farmers have also generously donated milk cartons for milk and cookies for the children. Photos opportunities with Santa Claus, holiday-themed crafts and more family fun will be available at the event.
Holiday Heroes Toy Drive Promotional Video