This past December 2024, the Rotary Club of Weston proudly organized its first-ever Community Toy Drive, a heartfelt initiative to collect toys for children in need, aged 2 to 12. Spearheaded by Rotarians Dr. Eugenio Moreno as Project Chair and Tania Arteaga as Co-Chair, the project was supported by a dedicated team of Club members who enthusiastically contributed at every stage—from collection and sorting to packaging and delivery.
Setting an initial goal was challenging since it was our first attempt at such a large-scale project. However, the thought of bringing joy not only to children but also to their families, caregivers, and our community as a whole fueled our determination to make a meaningful impact.
The toy collection began in October 2024 and continued until mid-December, during which time we received an incredible response. In total, 1,505 toys were collected, packed into 77 boxes, and distributed to several organizations and schools. The new toys were delivered to ten nonprofit organizations, including Reyna House Group, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward, America Community Center, Hands and Feet, Jay’s Closet at Gulfstream, One Milk for Venezuela, ARC Broward, His House Children’s Home, Florida Guardian Ad Litem, and Broward General Hospital. Additionally, local elementary and middle schools in Weston also received toys and basketballs for their students in need.
Listening to the stories shared by these organizations about the challenges they face, and the impact of our donations was deeply moving. One representative shared how the toys we delivered felt like a miracle for their children, as they planned to bring Santa Claus without gifts. Thanks to the Community Toy Drive, their children’s joy and hope were renewed during the holiday season.
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the local businesses and organizations that supported us by hosting collection boxes or allowing us to collect toys on their premises: Panna Town Center, Broward Health, Inbloom Autism Services, Gameday Men’s Health, El Colombiano, Guacatacos, Krispy Chicken, and YMCA Weston. Their generosity and partnership were instrumental in making this project a success.
As part of this initiative, Rotarians, students, and community members were also encouraged to draft personal handwritten cards to accompany the toys, sharing messages of hope and care with the children who received them. These heartfelt notes added a deeply personal touch to the project, reminding each child they are valued and loved.
Together, we proved that when a community unites with compassion and purpose, incredible things can happen. Let this be a reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple outward, creating joy and hope far beyond what we can imagine.
Thank you, Weston, for making this possible. Let’s continue to inspire change, one act of kindness at a time.
