Spreading Joy, Healing Hearts: MOMA’s Holiday Toy Drive & Giveaway Brings Light to the Season
- Collette Portis
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
As the holiday season approaches, twinkling lights, festive music, and the warmth of community connection begin to fill the air. Yet for many families—especially those who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child—this season can be a painful reminder of what’s missing. But thanks to the work of Mothers of Murdered Angels (MOMA), hope, healing, and joy are never far away.
This year, MOMA is proud to launch two signature holiday events designed to uplift families and restore the magic of the season: the MOMA's Holiday Toy Drive (November 28th–December 13th) and the Toy Giveaway (December 21st). These events are more than seasonal gestures—they are acts of love and solidarity with families navigating grief, hardship, and recovery.
✨ About MOMA: Turning Pain into Purpose
Mothers of Murdered Angels is a community-rooted organization led by survivors, for survivors. Founded to support families who have lost children to violence, MOMA offers not only emotional support but also tangible aid through events, advocacy, and community-building initiatives.
At its core, MOMA believes that no one should have to walk the path of grief alone. The organization has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of families across Fort Worth and beyond, transforming personal tragedy into community impact. And this holiday season, they’re doing just that—again.
🎁 Event 1: Christmas Toy Drop Off
Dates: November 28th – December 13th
Drop-Off Locations & Times:
Postal Annex | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Ritzy | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Drop-Off Address: 1201 Oakland Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76103
Contact: (817) 938-8892 | mhamilton@momangels.org
The season of giving officially kicks off on November 28th with MOMA’s Christmas Toy Drop Off. For two weeks, community members are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5 to 15. These donations will go directly to families who have been affected by violence and are currently facing hardship.
This year’s collection sites have been intentionally selected to make donating as convenient as possible. Whether you’re out running errands during the day or winding down in the evening, there’s a drop-off option that fits your schedule:
Postal Annex welcomes daytime donors from 9AM–2PM.
Ritzy, a vibrant local business, hosts an evening drop window from 8PM–10PM.
The beauty of this initiative lies in its simplicity. One small gift can bring tremendous light to a child’s holiday. For families struggling with loss or financial strain, receiving a toy isn’t just about the item—it’s about knowing that someone cares.
And for donors, this is a chance to give with intention. Every doll, board game, action figure, or book is a message of hope that says, “You are seen. You are loved. You are not forgotten.”
🎄 Why Toy Drives Matter—Especially Now
We often associate the holidays with abundance: of food, gifts, laughter, and love. But for many families, especially those impacted by violence or economic disparity, the season can feel cold and isolating.
Toy drives like MOMA’s offer more than gifts. They remind children that they are not defined by their circumstances and give parents the opportunity to experience joy in the midst of struggle.
What makes MOMA’s Toy Drop Off truly special is that it’s not just about charity—it’s about healing through giving. Many of the volunteers and organizers have walked the path of grief themselves. This isn’t just an event—it’s a sacred act of remembrance and restoration.
🎉 Event 2: MOMA's Holiday Toy Drive Giveaway
Date: December 21st
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 1201 Oakland Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76103
Details/Contact: mhamilton@momangels.org
After weeks of collecting donations, MOMA culminates its holiday efforts with a joyful celebration on December 21st—the Annual Toy Giveaway. Held at the same central location on Oakland Blvd, this event transforms generosity into action as hundreds of toys are distributed to children across Fort Worth.
Picture this: a line of smiling faces, the sound of carols playing in the background, Santa himself making an appearance (and according to the flyer, he’s got style!), and families gathering in warmth and celebration. It’s a moment where grief is met with grace, and sorrow gives way to smiles.
From 3PM to 6PM, families will be welcomed into a festive environment filled with love, community, and joy. Toys collected during the drive will be distributed by MOMA’s team of volunteers and partners. It’s not just about giving a gift—it’s about giving children a day they’ll never forget.
🎅 The Power of Presence: Why Your Involvement Matters
You might be asking yourself, “What can I do?” The answer is simple:
Donate a toy.
Spread the word.
Volunteer.
Sponsor a family.
Show up.
Your presence, whether through a physical toy, a shared post, or a few hours of your time, makes a real difference. MOMA is a grassroots organization built on community action. Every act of kindness adds up to something greater.
We often underestimate how powerful the small things are. But to a grieving parent, a stranger’s kindness may be the encouragement they need to keep going. To a child who hasn’t smiled in days, a new toy might spark laughter again.
That’s the miracle of community.
🧡 Stories That Stick With Us
At past giveaways, MOMA has seen firsthand how deeply impactful these events are. One mother shared:
“Last Christmas was our first one without my son. I didn’t have it in me to put up a tree, let alone buy gifts. When we received a gift from MOMA’s giveaway, my daughter smiled for the first time in weeks. It meant more than words can explain.”
Moments like this are why MOMA does what it does. The toys may be simple, but the love behind them is powerful.
📌 Mark Your Calendar
Here’s a quick breakdown so you don’t miss a thing:
🗓 Christmas Toy Drop Off
📍 Nov 28 – Dec 13
📦 Drop unwrapped toys for ages 5–15
📍 Locations: Postal Annex (9AM–2PM) & Ritzy (8PM–10PM)
📫 1201 Oakland Blvd, Fort Worth TX 76103
📞 (817) 938-8892
🗓 Toy Giveaway
📍 December 21 | 3PM – 6PM
🎉 Free toys for children and a festive celebration!
📍 1201 Oakland Blvd, Fort Worth TX 76103
✨ Final Thoughts: More Than a Toy
In a world that often feels heavy, events like MOMA’s Toy Drive and Giveaway remind us of the good. They remind us that love can grow out of loss, that joy can follow sorrow, and that we are never alone when we choose to stand together.
This holiday season, let’s move with compassion. Let’s be the hands that wrap the gifts, the voices that spread the word, and the hearts that make room for healing.
Because for families of murdered angels, the holidays will never be the same—but they can still be meaningful. With your help, they can even be magical.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more, contact MOMA at:
📞 (817) 938-8892
Follow MOMA on social media to see updates and photos from the events, hear real family stories, and find out how you can get involved in future initiatives.
Let’s make this season one of restoration and remembrance.
Together, we can turn grief into giving—and sorrow into something sacred.
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