Norwalk Next Steps and Norwalk Toys for Tots Partner to Spread Holiday Cheer

Victor Araujo and his Norwalk Next Steps classmates are already getting into the holiday spirit as they prepare for this year’s Norwalk Toys for Tots donation drive.

Norwalk Next Steps partners with the local Toys for Tots program to help collect, organize, and distribute books and toys for children and families in need. The partnership between the two programs began five years ago with Norwalk Next Steps becoming integral in every step of the process three years ago.

Norwalk Next Steps is a post-high school transitional program with Norwalk Public Schools that works with young adults (ages 18-22) with varying levels of abilities to effectively become valued members of the community. It offers a range of services for students in need of functional academics, vocational experiences, and independent living skills. Norwalk Next Steps assists in developing the competence to lead successful and rewarding lives.

Inside a warehouse space in The SoNo Collection, the students organize the gifts dropped into the donation boxes during the holiday season. They are grouped into sections that include electronics, sports, arts and crafts, stocking stuffers and more. Norwalk Toys for Tots then works with community organizations to make sure the gifts get to families who need them most.

The sorting, labeling and organizing of the gifts teaches the students basic skills that they can apply to other jobs. The work with Norwalk Toys for Toys also gives them the opportunity to develop teamwork and social skills as well as building pride in giving back to the community.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Victor, 20 (soon to be 21), joined Norwalk Next Steps in July 2023 and enjoys the opportunity to volunteer. In addition to Toys for Tots, Next Steps students also volunteer with Filling in the Blanks and Open Doors Shelter.

Victor also likes working at O'Neill's Irish Pub & Restaurant, helping with recycling and wrapping silverware, and preparing to-go breakfasts at Tracey Magnet School in partnership with Chartwells.

In early November, Victor and his classmates will begin distributing donation boxes to businesses that have signed up to be a drop-off locations. Be sure to find a box near you this holiday season to donate to Norwalk Toys for Tots!

Click here to learn more about the Norwalk Next Steps program.

Thank you to The SoNo Collection for featuring Victor’s story, part of the Game Changer series in partnership with Norwalk Public Schools.