Joy to the Children

01/28/2026

HUGE thanks to Laura and her team Lotts Furniture… each year they support Joy with their annual stressless fundraiser… This year they went the extra mile and had a separate promotion in December and matched it … totally over $6000

🥰🎅🏼

01/08/2026

Each year local book distributors make an impact on Joy to the Children book donations. Thanks to Usborne Books & Mores 50% matching donation, Lauren Johnson was able to donate over $500 worth of books. In addition, Ann Kizer from Ferst Readers was able to donate over 100 books for our beginning readers. Thank you both for sharing your wonderful books with the children from Nassau County.

01/02/2026

A huge thank you to Story & Song owners Mark and Donna Paz Kaufman and Director of Children’s Merchandise and Programming Dearsha. Together they worked tirelessly to spearhead the book donations for Joy to the Children. This year 367 books were donated by Nassau County individuals, book clubs and small businesses. In addition, Story & Song donated 204 books. As a result each child received 4 books for Christmas. Please reach out to Dearsha, Donna and Mark on your next visit and thank them for all of their support!

12/30/2025

💛 Joy happened because of YOU 💛

We reached our $70,000 goal and celebrated 181 children and their parents with food, fun, gifts from their wish lists, Santa & Mrs. Claus, music, crafts and laughter.

Hundreds of volunteers.
13 generous restaurant partners.
One unforgettable Christmas Day.

As one volunteer shared:
“I prayed over the gifts I wrapped… and I am a better person for experiencing Joy.”

Thank you for being part of something life-changing.
Thank you for choosing Joy. 💛 - https://mailchi.mp/e2a3afc30596/christmas-in-july-online-auction-is-live-14763467

12/26/2025

12/26/2025

🎁 THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF JOY! 🎁

Yesterday, our community came together in the most beautiful way — and because of YOU, we brought joy, comfort, and magic to children and families who needed it most. 💫

To every volunteer who wrapped gifts, set up the party, served food, played with children, cleaned up, and so much more — thank you for giving your time, your energy, and your heart. ❤️

To every donor who gave what they could — from dollars to brand-new clothes, toys, books, and supplies — your generosity made every child feel seen, valued, and loved. 🎁

To the incredible restaurants who donated delicious food and helped us serve a true holiday feast — you gave these families more than a meal… you gave them belonging.

💬 We witnessed kids light up with wonder.
💬 We saw parents breathe a sigh of relief.
💬 We watched strangers become family — even if just for a day.

Joy To The Children 2025 was a success — because of YOU.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
You didn’t just show up.
You made JOY possible.

💛

12/25/2025

Shopping for a child you've never met feels like guessing their favorite color, vibe, and energy all at once. 🎁✨ But hey, surprises are part of the fun, right?

Donate https://joytothechildren.org/give-donations/

Be a volunteer https://joytothechildren.org/volunteer-positions/

12/24/2025

When you're serving fashion and chaos at the same time. 🐶✨ What do you think of this adorable little outfit? 😍

Donate https://joytothechildren.org/give-donations/

Be a volunteer https://joytothechildren.org/volunteer-positions/

12/24/2025

🎁💖 Discover how the simple acts of giving gifts and volunteering transformed his perspective on life. It's not just about what you give—it's about the joy and connection you gain. 🌟

Donate https://joytothechildren.org/give-donations/

Be a volunteer https://joytothechildren.org/volunteer-positions/

12/24/2025

🎁 JOY IN ACTION 🎁
Be the reason a child smiles this Christmas.

When you sign up as a Family Host on Christmas Day, you’re not just volunteering — you’re stepping into a moment of real magic.

✨ You’ll spend the day helping one family experience holiday joy:
– Color and craft with the kids 🎨
– Share a meal together 🍽️
– Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus 🎅
– Decorate cookies, get balloon animals, and more 🎈
– Help parents enjoy the day too ❤️

You’ll see firsthand the transformation — from uncertainty to wide-eyed wonder — as kids who are homeless or at risk light up with laughter, love, and a full belly.

💬 “I thought I was there to help… but they gave me more joy than I ever expected.” — past volunteer

This is Joy in Action.
And you make it possible.

📅 Christmas Day | Sign up now to be a Family Host:
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/fvzhqgfhmu

💝 Not available to volunteer but want to help?
Donate today and be part of the JOY:
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/pdhiartbql

Let’s bring joy to life. Together.

12/23/2025

A Very Special Thank You to Our Restaurant Partners ❤️

One of the most meaningful parts of Joy To The Children is that we don’t just provide gifts… we also provide a traditional holiday meal on Christmas Day for the children and families we serve.

That meal is made possible by the generosity of 13 incredible local restaurants who donate food so these families can sit down together and experience the warmth, comfort, and dignity of a true Christmas celebration.

We invite you to support, and thank, these amazing businesses when you visit them:

💛 The Ritz
💛 Nana Teresa’s
💛 Salty Pelican
💛 Down Under
💛 T-Ray’s
💛 Cafe Karibo
💛 Sliders
💛 Omni
💛 Bar Zin
💛 Chili’s
💛 Surf
💛 Fantastic Fudge
💛 Marco’s Pizza
💛 Kitchen 251

When you dine with any of these restaurants, please take a moment to thank them for their continued generosity and support of Joy To The Children. Their kindness plays a direct role in creating a Christmas Day filled with warmth, joy, and love for families who would otherwise go without.

This is community.
This is compassion in action.
This is JOY.

And we are deeply grateful.