The 2023 holidays were a lot brighter in Orange County thanks to the generosity of local businesses and residents. Both the annual Toy Chest and Sponsorship programs, operated through DSS, were successful holiday outreach events.
The Toy Chest program is available for all low-income children ages 12 and under residing in Orange County whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Toy Chest provided holiday cheer for 1,205 families and 2,019 children ages 0-12 with presents, books, clothing and food. The Toy Chest program is for low-income families who are not in the sponsorship program.
The sponsorship program pairs donors with families being served by DSS, including foster children, vulnerable adults, seniors, and young parents. For the 2023 Sponsorship Program, DSS provided assistance to 398 children and 72 seniors/disabled adults. This record high number reflects the increased need for Orange County residents who are truly less fortunate.
Food support is particularly important during the holidays for families with school-aged children who rely on free and reduced-cost meals through public schools. Community donations, including gift cards for food, and “Food Lion Feeds” boxes help to support those families who participated in the Toy Chest.
“The success of these programs is made possible, in large part, to the local donations and community volunteers,” said Orange County DSS Human Services Manager Sharron Hinton. “We are especially thankful to Pat Garavaglia and Sharon Collins, who continue to support our families by recruiting sponsors and providing gifts and toys for the holidays. They work tirelessly with their network of friends to bring joy to our young children.”
Interested individuals can donate to the Toy Chest program year-round. All gifts are tax deductible and used for the purpose for which they are given and acknowledged as such. Donations can be made by sending in a check to:
Orange County Department of Social Services
PO Box 8181
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Please designate Toy Chest in the memo field.
Donations can also be made online at https://hillsborough-nc.toysfortots.org.
To learn about sponsoring a family or individual, please contact:
Serena McPherson
smcpherson@orangecountync.gov
919-245-2871
To learn more about Toy Chest, volunteer opportunities, donations, etc. please contact:
Holidayprogram@orangecountync.gov
919-245-2931