A Joyful Community Tradition

For more than 900 children in Collier County, Christmas morning will be brighter this year thanks to the generosity of a community that believes in the power of giving. With the help of many, the annual Joy of Giving event will once again transform Walmart into a place of hope, love, and Christmas cheer this December. 

The program primarily serves qualified families in the greatest need. For many, the presents they receive through this event—new clothes, toys, and other essentials—are the only gifts they will open during the holiday season. The impact goes far beyond what’s wrapped in shiny paper. Each gift is a message to a child that they are seen, valued, and cared for. 

Our volunteers have witnessed the event for decades and share the magic of the day, tears from parents, and the feeling of joy that fills the air as neighbors, strangers, and friends come together for one common purpose. 

“It’s not just about the toys,” one volunteer explained. “It’s about showing these children that they’re not forgotten—that their community stands behind them.” 

The Joy of Giving has become a beloved Christmas tradition in Collier County for 37 years, a reminder that the holidays are not about what we receive, but about the love and hope we can share with others. The event depends on donations and the helping hands of volunteers, proving that even small acts of kindness can make an enormous difference. 

As we kickoff JOG 2025, the call goes out once more: to give and to spread joy. Together with our community, you make the heart that is the true Joy of Giving.  

How to Help: