This holiday season, NEST4US witnessed something truly magical—what happens when a community shows up with open hearts, helping hands, and a shared commitment to joy.
Our Holiday Toy Distribution was created with one simple goal: to ensure that every child in our community could experience the warmth, excitement, and dignity of receiving a holiday gift. What happened next exceeded every expectation we had.
When registration opened, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Within the first 24 hours, more than 500 families signed up to receive a toy, clearly demonstrating both the level of need in our community and the trust families place in NEST4US. Thanks to an incredible outpouring of generosity, donations poured in from community members, partners, and supporters who wanted to help make the holidays brighter for local children.
And when the final numbers came in, our work didn’t stop there. To ensure that every child received a gift, the NEST4US founders personally went to local stores to meet the remaining demand, carefully picking out exciting toys—from games and dolls to trucks and soccer balls. Every toy was chosen with intention, imagining the moment a child would open it and feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
On distribution day, the space buzzed with warmth and joy. Volunteers worked with excitement and purpose, tables were filled with colorful toys and thoughtfully chosen gifts, and children’s faces lit up as they clutched their gifts. Parents shared smiles and words of gratitude, relieved to know their children would not miss out on the simple magic of the season.
Our volunteers were nothing short of extraordinary. They showed up early, stayed late, and carried out every task with kindness and enthusiasm. From organizing toys and managing sign-ins to greeting families and helping children choose their gifts, they transformed logistics into meaningful human connection.
This event is truly one of our favorite events each year because it embodies what NEST4US stands for. It always brings us back to the heart of our NEST Buddies program, which centers joy, celebration, and intentional care for every child. At its core, this work is about more than toys—it’s about affirming that everyone deserves moments of celebration, especially during the holidays.
As we reflect on this season, we are filled with gratitude for the donors, volunteers, families, and community members who made this possible. Together, we turned generosity into joy—and reminded hundreds of children that they are deeply cared for. Can’t wait for our next Holiday Toy Distribution later this year!
—Shreyaa and Esha Venkat, Founders of NEST4US, December 2025
