Harris County Precinct 4 Toy Drive Aims to Brighten Holidays for Children in Need with Toys for Tots
This holiday season, Harris County Precinct 4 is rallying the community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need. Commissioner Lesley Briones has partnered with Toys for Tots to launch a toy drive, collecting new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holiday season for families across the region. The drive, which runs until Monday, December 16, is gathering donations at all 12 Precinct 4 community centers.
As of the third week of the initiative, over 550 toys have already been collected, with the Radack Community Center leading the pack in donations. The goal for this year’s toy drive is to fill two buses with gifts for local children who might not otherwise experience the joy of a holiday gift. In addition to donating toys, the community is invited to participate in a friendly competition among the centers to see which can collect the most donations.
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Community Centers Participating in the Toy Drive
Residents are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of the following Precinct 4 community centers:
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Bayland Community Center (6400 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074)
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Burnett Bayland Community Center (6026 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081)
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Jim & JoAnn Fonteno Senior Education Center (6600 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074)
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Freed Community Center (6818 Shadyvilla Ln, Houston, TX 77055)
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Thomas A. Glazier Senior Education Center (16600 Pine Forest Ln, Houston, TX 77084)
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Hockley Community Center (28515 Old Washington Rd, Hockley, TX 77447)
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John Paul Landing Environmental Education Center (9950 Katy Hockley Rd, Cypress, TX 77433)
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Kleb Woods Nature Preserve & Center (20303 Draper Rd, Tomball, TX 77377)
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Mary Jo Peckham Aquatic & Fitness Center (5597 Gardenia Ln, Katy, TX 77493)
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Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center (8440 Greenhouse Rd, Cypress, TX 77433)
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Steve Radack Community Center (18650 Clay Rd, Houston, TX 77084)
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Tracey Gee Community Center (3599 Westcenter Dr, Houston, TX 77042)
What is Toys for Tots?
Toys for Tots has been spreading holiday cheer since 1947 by collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys to children from economically disadvantaged families. The primary mission of the program is to bring the joy of Christmas to children in need while also delivering a message of hope. Through partnerships with local communities and volunteers, the foundation works to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the magic of the holiday season.
Toys for Tots is a nationwide program with local chapters around the country. In 1991, the Toys for Tots Foundation was established to help coordinate and manage the program, and it is governed by a board of directors that includes veteran Marines and successful business leaders. In addition to organizing toy drives, the foundation supports local coordinators and volunteers, ensuring that toys reach the children who need them most.
The success of the program is largely due to the support of individuals and businesses who donate toys and funds, as well as the dedication of thousands of volunteers. The Marine Corps also plays a vital role in the distribution process, with members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve leading local chapters during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign.
Toys collected at Bayland Community Center for children in need across Harris County Precinct 4. (Source: HCP4)Community Impact and Friendly Competition
The toy drive is about more than just collecting gifts; it’s about bringing people together to help those in need. The friendly competition among the community centers is designed to boost excitement and engagement, encouraging residents to get involved and show their support for local children.
Commissioner Briones emphasized that this drive is a great opportunity for residents to make a lasting impact. "The holidays are about giving, and what better way to give back than to help ensure children in our community experience the joy of Christmas," she said. "With the support of our community centers and generous residents, we can make a real difference in the lives of children across Harris County."
In addition to making a toy donation, community members are encouraged to share their contributions on social media, helping to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved. As donations continue to pour in, the toy drive serves as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of supporting one another during the holiday season.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
