Every child deserves the joy of unwrapping a gift during the holiday season, yet thousands of families in Houston struggle to afford Christmas presents. The Houston Fire Department’s Operation Stocking Stuffer is committed to ensuring that no child in our community goes without a holiday gift. 

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As one of the largest holiday toy drives in the region, Operation Stocking Stuffer serves thousands of families facing financial hardship, many of whom are struggling with rising living costs, unexpected hardships, or disaster recovery. For many of these children, the gifts received through our program will be the only presents they receive this holiday season. 

With the continued support of generous donors, corporate partners, and volunteers, we are able to bring hope and joy to Houston-area families when they need it most. 

 

A Look at the Need in Houston 

Houston is home to one of the most diverse and rapidly growing populations in the country, but economic challenges persist for many families: 

📌 1 in 5 children in Houston live below the poverty line. 
📌 Houston-area families face higher costs of living, making it difficult to afford gifts. 
📌 After hurricanes, floods, and economic downturns, many families turn to Operation Stocking Stuffer to ensure their children experience holiday magic. 
📌 For many participating families, this toy drive is the only opportunity for their children to receive a gift. 

Impact of Operation Stocking Stuffer 

• Over 20,000 children received gifts last year alone. 

• More than 50,000 toys were distributed across Houston. 

• Hundreds of volunteers and corporate sponsors helped make it happen. 

Each year, the need continues to grow—and with your help, we can reach even more families in 2024! 

 

Origins and Growth 

More than 30 years ago, Ms. Lorugene Young (1943-2017), a Houston-area teacher, saw the need to help students who would otherwise go without holiday gifts. She collected and distributed toys out of the trunk of her car, ensuring children in need had something special to unwrap. 

Recognizing the growing demand, she approached the Houston Fire Department (HFD) with the idea of using fire stations as toy collection sites. What started as a small effort quickly gained momentum, bringing together corporate sponsors, businesses, and community leaders to make Operation Stocking Stuffer what it is today—a massive, community-driven initiative helping thousands of families each year. 

Today, the program is sustained through Fire Outreach of Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting community programs led by HFD. Thanks to this continued support, Ms. Young’s legacy lives on. 

 

How You Can Support Operation Stocking Stuffer 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Every donation makes a difference. You can help by: 
✅ Providing in-kind donations (toys, goods, or services) 
✅ Making a financial contribution to support toy purchases 
✅ Sponsoring a volunteer meal to keep our sorting teams energized 
✅ Hosting your own toy drive to collect gifts for local children 

 

What to Buy? 

We are focusing on age-neutral and gender-neutral gifts, especially: 

• Tech devices (tablets, wireless headphones, speakers) 

• Sports equipment (balls, jump ropes, frisbees) 

• Arts & crafts supplies (paint sets, craft kits, coloring books) 

• Board games, books, and puzzles 

📌 Why tech gifts? Tablets and other tech items can be preloaded with educational apps, movies, and games, offering fun and learning opportunities for children of all ages. 

 

Toy Donation & Drop-Off Information 

🚫 HFD fire stations CANNOT accept toy donations. Instead, please: 

1️⃣ Purchase toys online and have them shipped directly to: 
📍 Operation Stocking Stuffer 
📍 1801 Main Street, 7th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 
🗓️ Delivery Deadline: December 12, 2024 

2️⃣ Drop off toys at our sorting location during the collection period. 

 

Volunteer Opportunities 

Join our “Santa’s Workshop” and help sort toys! 

📍 Sorting Location: 1801 Main Street, 7th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 
📅 Sorting Days: 

Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all volunteers. 

 

The Great Toy Giveaway Event 

TDB in December 
📍 Location: 2000 Reed Road, Houston, TX 77051 
⏰ Volunteer Arrival: 6:30 - 7:30 AM 

🔥 Format: Drive-Thru Event (No walk-ups for safety reasons) 
🥞 Food Provided: Breakfast and lunch for volunteers 
👕 What to Wear: Comfortable clothes & shoes (prepare for cold/wet weather) 

 

Corporate Sponsorship & Meal Sponsorships 

Help us show appreciation for the volunteers who make this possible by sponsoring breakfast or lunch for our teams. 

 

Hosting Your Own Toy Drive 

Your organization can host its own toy collection event to support Operation Stocking Stuffer! 

🚫 Due to staffing limitations, HFD cannot pick up external donations. Instead, please plan to: 
📍 Drop off collected toys at: 
📍 1801 Main Street, 7th Floor, Houston, TX 77002 
🗓️ Drop-Off Window: December 6 - December 12, 2024 (weekdays only) 

 

Financial Contributions 

💰 Monetary donations ensure we can purchase toys for children in need. 

✔ Donate online: https://www.osstoydrive.com/ 
✔ Mail checks payable to: 
📍 Fire Outreach of Houston 
📍 Memo: Operation Stocking Stuffer 

 

Join Us in Spreading Holiday Joy! 

Operation Stocking Stuffer wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our community, businesses, and volunteers. Whether you donate, volunteer, or sponsor, your support ensures that thousands of Houston-area children experience the joy of the holiday season.