{"id":282,"date":"2016-12-19T20:26:28","date_gmt":"2016-12-19T20:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ocfl.flywheelsites.com\/?p=282"},"modified":"2022-01-12T12:12:14","modified_gmt":"2022-01-12T17:12:14","slug":"holiday-heroes-toy-drive-shopping-event-hosted-at-ivey-lane-neighborhood-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsroom.ocfl.net\/2016\/12\/holiday-heroes-toy-drive-shopping-event-hosted-at-ivey-lane-neighborhood-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Holiday Heroes Toy Drive Shopping Event Hosted at Ivey Lane Neighborhood Center"},"content":{"rendered":"

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs welcomed four local mothers to the Ivey Lane Neighborhood Center for Families (NCF) on Dec. 15 for her annual Holiday Heroes Toy Drive shopping event. Mayor Jacobs, along with NCF staff, assisted parents in selecting the perfect gifts for their children in keeping with Orange County\u2019s neighbors helping neighbors<\/em> philosophy.<\/p>\n

In partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida on Raleigh Street, the Center was transformed into a scene from \u201cThe Polar Express,\u201d with several tables and shelves filled with a variety of gifts, including toys, games and accessories, which were donated as part of Mayor Jacobs’ 2016 Holiday Heroes Toy Drive. This year, Orange County employees and citizens generously donated 6,958 gift items, far exceeding last year\u2019s toy drive collection of 5,100 toys.<\/p>\n

\u201cEach year I am blown away by the amount of toys our employees and extended community donate, allowing us to give back to our families in need,\u201d Mayor Jacobs said. \u201cFor many, these will be the only gifts their precious children will receive from Santa. Our annual Holiday Heroes Toy Drive truly embodies the spirit of giving and Orange County\u2019s neighbors helping neighbors philosophy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Once parents made their selection in \u201cThe Polar Express,\u201d NCF staff helped wrap the gifts to get ready for the holidays. Families also received a special Christmas dinner box filled with holiday treats and meals.<\/p>\n

The NCF is a community-based collaborative of area public schools, government agencies, churches, grassroots organizations and nonprofit service providers that offer friendly assistance to the children and families of Orange County. The families who participate in the annual toy shopping event are usually referred by NCF service providers, who work to identify local families who have the greatest need.<\/p>\n

Orange County employees, volunteers and the extended community have contributed greatly to the success of Mayor Jacobs\u2019 Toy Drive. Since 2011, more than 24,200 toys have been distributed to children up to age 18 through several community organizations, including Orange County Neighborhood Centers for Families, Orange County Public Schools\u2019 Homeless Program, Wraparound Orange and United Against Poverty, formerly known as the Community Food and Outreach Center.<\/p>\n

Upon collection, all toys donated to the Holiday Heroes Toy Drive are sorted by age and gender, a task which is only accomplished through countless employee and volunteer hours.<\/p>\n

Once again, FOX 35 was the official media partner for the Toy Drive. FOX 35 donated airtime, including a special live segment during their morning show Good Day Orlando<\/em>.<\/p>\n

For the first time this year, Orange County Government hosted \u201cCoffee with a Cop<\/a>,\u201d where members of the community were encouraged to donate a toy for coffee and conversation with deputies from the Orange County Sheriff\u2019s Office at the world\u2019s largest entertainment McDonald’s & PlayPlace.<\/p>\n

To view more photos from the holiday toy shopping event<\/a>, visit Mayor Jacobs\u2019 Flickr album.<\/p>\n