Casey DeSantis launches holiday toy drive to help families

First Lady Casey DeSantis is collecting toys for needy families this holiday season.

“Every child should get to experience the joy of opening a present on Christmas day,” DeSantis said in a press release.

The second annual Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive will help foster families, Hope Florida participants, and others who need some extra holiday joy after the state was hit by two back-to-back hurricanes this fall, as well as others struggling with rising inflation.

Hope Florida is working with Florida’s state agencies to collect donations to purchase the toys through Dec. 13. The gifts will be given to nonprofits and families later in December.

How can you help?

Go online here to purchase new and unwrapped toys for Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive.

Organizations that want to get involved with Hope Florida for the toy drive can contact the Department of Children and Families at [email protected]

“Our Department works hard to support and uplift families year-round,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We are appreciative of the First Lady’s commitment and dedication to meet the needs of our State’s vulnerable families. This initiative ensures that those parents and caregivers in need will be able to create special memories with their children this season.”

The First Lady has been a champion behind Hope Florida, which is fueled by donations and works with both the public and private sector, faith-based communities, and nonprofits to help Floridians going through hard times.

“Through the efforts of our Hope Navigators, we are going beyond government to create a pathway for Floridians to live up to their God-given potential and accomplish the American Dream – ultimately achieving prosperity and economic self-sufficiency,” Hope Florida says on its website.

Throughout the state, other communities, including Orange County, are holding toy drives to help residents.