Company: Orange County Government, Orlando, FL
Nomination Submitted by: Orange County Government, Office of Communications
Company Description: Since 1990, Orange County has operated as a “strong mayor” form of charter government—a reflection of the County’s urban character and driving economy. Under this structure, the Orange County Mayor serves as Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners are independently-elected from six districts, and serve in a legislative capacity.
Nomination Category: Event Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Cause & Green – Cause Event
 Nomination Title: 2024 Orange County Mayor's Holiday Toy Drive
- Which will you submit for this nomination, an essay of up to 525 words describing the event - its genesis, goals, development, and results - OR a video of up to five (5) minutes in length describing the same? CHOOSE ONE:
Written essay of up to 525 words
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:
- If you are providing a written essay of up to 525 words about your nominated event, place it in this space. Make sure that you address the genesis, goals, development, and results of the event, and mention that date(s) on which the event was produced:
Total 520 words used.
Orange County marked its 14th year of giving back to the community with the 2024 Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive. Since the event’s inception in 2011, more than 96,000 toys have been distributed to children and families in need. During the 2024 toy drive, a total of 10,779 toys were collected, and over 24 community agencies were supported. The drive served 1,853 children and 1,216 families, with Orange County’s Neighborhood Center for Families receiving a total of 5,670 toys and Orange County Public School Kid’s Closet receiving 300 toys. The remaining toys were distributed evenly among 22 qualified nonprofit organizations. Planning for the drive began in July, ahead of the November launch. More than a dozen virtual and onsite meetings with department leads, partner agencies, and other stakeholders were conducted to streamline communication, manage the event timeline, and set expectations for successful execution. Mayor Jerry L. Demings launched the Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive in partnership with FOX 35 Orlando on Friday, November 1, 2024. Thirty-seven collection sites were available, including in-person and an online platform through Roonga, Inc. Orange County Government’s partnership with Roonga expanded participation beyond Orange County and provided over two thousand toy donations. Warehouse operations spanned more than two weeks in December 2024, encompassing toy drop-offs, sorting, and collection by partner agencies, along with logistical tasks. To close the campaign, the mayor hosted a Toy Drive Distribution Day for families receiving services from the Neighborhood Center for Family Services. Participants of the drive-through event received refreshments donated by Starbucks, a Second Harvest Food Bank food box that included a turkey, and toys from the toy drive. Five special families were invited to shop in the mayor’s toy shop. A total of 211 families were served during Toy Drive Distribution Day.
Fox 35 was a major supporter of the toy drive and hosted several initiatives that boosted donation numbers including the “Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive Kickoff,” a visit to the Toy Drive Warehouse, and a “Shop & Drop” at a local Walmart. FOX 35 sponsored 351 promos as well as additional advertising via other platforms with a reach of just over a million viewers (1,006,504).
Additional community partners included the Orange County Library System with fifteen drop-off locations and Orange County Fire Rescue Department with six locations, as well as assisting with logistical coordination. Orange County residents, employees, and community organizations contribute year-round to purchase toys for the drive. The Office of Communications created targeted messaging across multiple channels, including a dedicated webpage and signage around the county administration building. OrangeTV produced three promotional videos that ran on air two to three times per day, and social media generated 115 posts reaching 112,452 impressions. This long-standing, heartfelt tradition gives back to Orange County. It continues to bring people together in a collective effort to support families in need. The 2025 Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive aims to surpass the distribution of 100,000 toys since the event’s inception. The drive will continue to be a lasting symbol of generosity and commitment in Orange County for years to come.
- Optionally, list the appropriate creative and production credits for the nominated event, such as the following: Advertising Agency/City: Client: Art Director: Cinematographer: Creative Director: Designer: Director: Illustrator/City: Music Producer/City: Photographer/City: Printer/City: Producer: Production Company/City: Programmer: Writer: Web Development Firm/City:
Agency: Orange County Government, FL
Event Chief Organizer: Yetzenia Negron, Events & Special Programs Manager, Office of Communications
Events & Special Projects Consultant: Kasey Brinkley
Internal Agency Planning Committee: Mayor's Office, County Administration, Office of Communications, Orange TV, Fire & Rescue Department, Citizens' Commission for Children, Neighborhood Center for Families Services, Code Compliance Department, Public Works Department, Roads & Drainage Division, Parks & Recreation Division, and Human Services Department.
External Community Partner: Orange County Public Library System and Walmart
Media Partner: Fox 35 News and Orange TV
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