On December 20, 2025, The Bus Stops Here Foundation proudly hosted its annual Holiday Toy Drive, continuing a beloved tradition of spreading joy, hope, and support to families across the Pittsburgh region. Through the collective effort of our partners, volunteers, and donors, we were honored to serve hundreds of children and families, ensuring the holiday season was filled with warmth and meaningful moments.
Toy Collection Powered by Community & Corporate Partners
The success of the 2025 Holiday Toy Drive was driven by the generosity of our community and corporate partners. Donations were collected through our Amazon Holiday Wishlist, along with direct support from organizations committed to giving back during the holiday season.
We are especially grateful to Walmart, who once again partnered with us in the same impactful capacity as last year. Additional support came from Sam’s Club, System One Holdings, Eleventh Hour, Adidas, Cozza Law, UPMC Sports Medicine, M&A Resources, and Mickey’s Place.
A special thank you goes to Vocelli’s, who generously provided lunch for families at each stop, helping create a welcoming and celebratory environment throughout the day.
First Stop: Carnegie Boys & Girls Club
Our first stop of the day was the Carnegie Boys & Girls Club, where families gathered to kick off the holiday celebration. Children received toys from their wishlists along with books, reinforcing both joy and learning during the season. We were proud to once again partner with Our Kids Read, who joined us at every stop to promote literacy and ensure each child went home with a book to enjoy long after the holidays.
Adding to the impact of this stop, members of the local fire department joined us to help distribute winter coats to children and families, ensuring they were prepared for the colder months ahead. The room was filled with excitement as children opened their gifts, families shared a warm meal, and the community came together to support one another.
Second Stop: Estelle S. Campbell Boys & Girls Club
The celebration continued at the Estelle S. Campbell (Lawrenceville) Boys & Girls Club, joined by students from the Sto-Rox and Aliquippa locations. This stop highlighted the power of collaboration, bringing youth from multiple communities together to celebrate the season as one.
With toys, books, food, and shared experiences, the Lawrenceville stop embodied the heart of the Holiday Toy Drive: creating moments of joy while fostering unity and opportunity across neighborhoods.
Third Stop: Jasmine Nyree Campus
We concluded the day at the Jasmine Nyree Campus, the foundation founded by Joey and Christy Porter, gathering families inside the Jerome Bettis Gym for a meaningful and festive finale. We were honored to celebrate alongside Joey and Christy, whose leadership, continued support, and commitment to the community helped make this stop especially impactful for the families in attendance.
Children received toys, books, and holiday cheer, while families shared a warm meal and celebrated together in an atmosphere filled with gratitude and joy. As with every stop throughout the day, Our Kids Read was on-site, reinforcing the importance of literacy alongside holiday giving and ensuring each child left with a book to take home.
Our Mission in Action
At The Bus Stops Here Foundation, the Holiday Toy Drive represents more than a single day, it reflects our year-round commitment to supporting children and families through access, resources, and meaningful partnerships. Each stop, each gift, and each interaction is a reminder of what is possible when communities come together with a shared purpose.
Thank You to Our Community
We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, partner, and donor who helped make the 2025 Holiday Toy Drive possible. Your generosity, time, and dedication directly impacted the lives of families across Pittsburgh and helped make this holiday season brighter for so many.
Stay Connected & Get Involved
Want to be part of future events like this? Follow The Bus Stops Here Foundation on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for updates on upcoming initiatives.
Interested in volunteering or partnering with us?
Contact Beth Vietmeier, Executive Director, at 📧 info@thebusstopsherefoundation.org
Thank you for helping make the 2025 Holiday Toy Drive a success. We look forward to continuing to spread joy, hope, and opportunity in the year ahead.