In the face of new challenges as we approached the end of the year, the Karsh Family Social Service Center remained committed to bringing joy to families and easing the burden on our community during the holiday season. This year, prioritizing for the safety of our community, we made the last minute decision to reimagine our traditional, in-person toy distribution and pivot to a delivery model. Instead of gathering families at the Karsh Center for an in-person shopping experience as originally envisioned, we partnered with DoorDash to deliver children’s gifts directly to the homes of our members. Though the event format shifted, the heart, dedication and commitment to our community that drove this event remained steadfast.

Whether in-person or via delivery, a toy distribution to hundreds of children requires many hundreds of toys, and our toy drive supporters did not disappoint! In preparation for the distribution, both the Karsh Center and Karsh West experienced a true toy takeover, transformed by an influx of donated toys. Our dedicated volunteers carefully processed the hundreds of items we received, sorting and organizing each with intention to ensure every child received a gift thoughtfully selected just for them. 

We are deeply grateful to Jazwares and Moose Toys, as well as the hundreds of other individual donors whose extraordinary generosity ensured that every child received not one but two high-quality toys this year. This support, combined with the commitment and flexibility of volunteers and staff, made it possible to share joy, imagination, and celebration with our community this holiday season.

To those who dropped off toys, shopped our wish lists, and contributed to the drive in creative ways – thank you. Every gift provided helped ease the emotional and financial strain many parents feel during the holidays. Because of you, children across Koreatown were able to experience excitement, play, and connection – reminders of hope in what can be an especially difficult time of year.

Thanks to this tremendous community effort, we delivered over 300 gift bags straight to families’ doorsteps. Each delivery represented not just a gift, but a message – you are seen, cared for, and supported by your community.

We are inspired by the generosity of every volunteer, donor, and partner who made this possible. Together, we brought joy to hundreds of children, proving once again that when our community shows up with compassion, we can offer moments of relief and light for families who need it most.