Who benefits from the Children's Christmas Party of Jacksonville?
Jacksonville's children, 12 years of age and younger, who otherwise might not receive toys for Christmas, will be treated to a fun day in celebration of this important holiday.
What will the Party be like?
As many as 7,000 children along with their parents stand in line (first come, first served) to receive toys and a chance to win a bike. Once the doors open, the children and parents enter a beautifully decorated Party and are greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hundreds of volunteers await the opportunity to hand out toys and provide entertainment. Each child chooses several toys among electronics, balls, games, musical instruments, preschool learning toys and infant toys. In addition, they receive novelty toys, books and pencils.
How did the Children's Christmas Party get started?
The Party, a non-profit organization, was founded in December 1999 by Travis and Margaret Storey to provide toys for Jacksonville's children. The 19th Annual Party will be celebrated on Saturday, December 16th, 2017.
Was last year's Party a success?
Yes! Because of the generosity of Jacksonville's companies and citizens, enough funds were collected to buy 20,000 brand new toys plus 600 special wheeled items (bikes, wagons and scooters). In addition, 60,000 of Ja-Ru's novelty toys were given to children in need. Toys donated by sponsors and concerned citizens as well as helmets from FDOT's Community Traffic Safety Program were also handed out. On that very cold day, 4,500 children stood in line and each went home with fun toys, a smiling face and special memories, just what every child, in every family, should have during the holidays.
