Coming Together to Make the Holidays Brighter
Last year, Empower Our Kids Foundation had the privilege of partnering with two incredible community high schools to collect and wrap toys for children and families in need. What started as a simple idea—to bring students together in service—quickly became a powerful reminder of how generous, thoughtful, and compassionate our youth can be.
Due to privacy concerns and to protect the dignity of the children and families we serve, all schools and donation locations remain confidential. But the impact of these events is anything but hidden. It lives in every smile, every carefully wrapped gift, and every student who walked away with a deeper understanding of what it means to give.
A Gym Full of Generosity
In each high school, the toy wrapping event transformed familiar spaces—gyms, cafeterias, and classrooms—into bustling hubs of holiday cheer. Tables were lined with donated toys, rolls of wrapping paper, tape, bows, and handwritten notes of encouragement.
Students rotated through stations:
Sorting toys by age group and interest
Wrapping gifts with care and creativity
Labeling and organizing to ensure every child received something special
Some students arrived with their own donated toys, others brought friends, and many came simply with a desire to help. Together, they turned an ordinary school day into an extraordinary act of community support.
Teaching Compassion Through Action
For many teens, this was their first time participating in a hands-on service project that directly impacted children in their own community. The experience went far beyond wrapping paper and ribbons.
Students learned:
Empathy – understanding that many families face financial challenges, especially during the holidays
Responsibility – recognizing their ability to make a real difference, even in small ways
Teamwork – working side by side with classmates, teachers, and volunteers toward a shared goal
These events helped show students that giving back isn’t just something adults do—it’s something they can lead, shape, and carry forward into their futures.
Protecting Privacy, Honoring Dignity
Empower Our Kids Foundation is committed to protecting the privacy of the children, families, and schools we serve. While we celebrate the generosity of our student volunteers, we do not publicly share school names, donation locations, or identifying details.
This confidentiality is an important part of our mission. It ensures that:
Families can receive support without fear of stigma or embarrassment
Students can serve without seeking recognition or publicity
The focus remains on kindness, not credit
By keeping these details private, we honor the dignity of every child and family who receives a gift.
The Ripple Effect of One Afternoon
A single afternoon of wrapping toys can create a ripple effect that lasts well beyond the holiday season.
Children experience the joy of being remembered and celebrated.
Parents and caregivers feel supported during a financially and emotionally stressful time.
Students discover that their time, energy, and compassion are powerful tools for change.
Many of the teens who participated last year have already asked how they can get involved again. Their enthusiasm reminds us that when we give young people meaningful ways to serve, they rise to the occasion.
Looking Ahead: Growing the Tradition
Empower Our Kids Foundation is excited to continue building on the success of these high school toy wrapping events. Our goal is to:
Partner with more schools and youth groups
Provide additional volunteer opportunities throughout the year
Inspire a new generation of young leaders committed to kindness and community
While the details of our partners remain confidential, the invitation to support our mission is open to all.
How You Can Support Empower Our Kids
Even if you’re not a high school student, there are many ways to help:
Donate toys or gift cards to support future events
Sponsor a wrapping station or supply drive
Share our mission with local schools, organizations, or youth groups
Together, we can continue to empower kids—both those who receive and those who give.
If you’d like to learn more about partnering with Empower Our Kids Foundation or supporting our next toy wrapping event, please contact us. Your support helps turn simple gifts into powerful moments of hope, connection, and joy.
