{"id":23400,"date":"2025-12-23T10:00:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T15:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/?p=23400"},"modified":"2025-12-22T14:33:44","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T19:33:44","slug":"orange-county-mayors-holiday-toy-drive-shatters-record","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2025\/12\/orange-county-mayors-holiday-toy-drive-shatters-record\/","title":{"rendered":"Orange County Mayor\u2019s Holiday Toy Drive Shatters Record, Collecting More Than 13,000 Gifts for Local Families"},"content":{"rendered":"

Orange County\u2019s 15th Annual Mayor\u2019s Holiday Toy Drive<\/a> reached new heights this year, collecting an unprecedented 13,076 toys for local children and families \u2014 the most in the event\u2019s history. The outpouring of generosity from County employees, residents and community partners will brighten the holidays for hundreds of families across Orange County.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis incredible milestone shows the heart of our community,\u201d said Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings. \u201cEvery toy represents a child who will feel joy this holiday season because someone cared enough to give. I\u2019m so proud of our employees and residents for coming together once again to make a real difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

A generous $20,000 donation from Sam\u2019s Club helped boost this year\u2019s record-breaking total, which surpassed last year\u2019s collection of nearly 11,000 toys. Over the past 15 years, the Toy Drive has now gathered nearly 110,000 gifts for local youth \u2014 from infants to teens \u2014 served by Orange County\u2019s Neighborhood Centers for Families<\/a> and other local organizations.<\/p>\n

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Mayor Demings helped distribute toys on Thursday, December 18, to families that registered through the Neighborhood Centers for Families. Four families joined the Mayor to personally select toys, while additional families received their presents through a drive-through distribution.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never experienced something like this before. I think it\u2019s a blessing for the holiday,\u201d said Brittney Weech, mom of two. \u201cI\u2019m very, very grateful. Prayers do come true when you do need that help before the holidays.\u201d<\/p>\n

Orange County departments once again led the way with friendly competition and remarkable contributions. This year\u2019s top-performing departments and divisions included:<\/p>\n