Since 2019, The 24 has hosted the annual Resident Toy Drive, a heartfelt initiative supported by our incredible community. This event was born from the understanding that many of our Residents—parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles—have long struggled to provide gifts for their loved ones due to challenging circumstances. The Toy Drive not only gives Residents the opportunity to "shop" for free gifts but also provides a space to wrap and prepare these presents, fostering reconnections with their families.
The Annual Toy Drive is organized by the Advocates for Dallas 24 Hour Club as one of their efforts to support The 24's Residents. Melanie and Lawson Crain, Chairs of the Advocates, view the Toy Drive as a way to give back and inspire others to join the cause. As an active member of the Dallas recovery community for 15 years, Lawson is dedicated to helping those who are struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
The Impact of the Toy Drive
For our Residents, this event is deeply meaningful. Nisa J., one of our current Residents, shared:
“I’m happy that The 24 puts on this event. For me to be able to have gifts for my kids right now, it’s something I wasn’t able to do the past 5 years. I’m overjoyed that my kids will get a gift this year. I love that the gifts are even wrapped!”
Other Residents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back to their children while rebuilding their lives. The ability to send a thoughtful gift symbolizes hope and progress on their road to recovery.
Making the Toy Drive Possible
Thanks to generous contributions from supporters who shopped our Amazon Wish List and dropped off toys, this year’s drive collected over 350 gifts. Volunteers played an essential role in the event’s success by assisting Residents during the shopping process, wrapping gifts, and even preparing items for shipping. Rows of toys were carefully organized by age and gender, ensuring Residents could find the perfect gifts with the help of our “Personal Shopper” volunteers.
The Toy Drive wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of donors and volunteers who give their time and resources to make the holidays brighter for our Residents and their families. Thank you for helping us create moments of joy, connection, and healing.
Stay tuned for future opportunities to support The 24 and consider participating in next year’s Toy Drive to help even more Residents experience the gift of giving.