AUSTIN (KXAN) – For five years, North Austin resident Ricky Diaz has partnered with local businesses to collect hundreds of toys for local children. This holiday season, he and participating small businesses raised $5,555 and purchased 800 toys for neighborhood kids.
Diaz grew up a few blocks north of Austin and started the tradition of giving back to families who might not otherwise be able to afford holiday gifts. Last year, they raised about $5,000 and bought about 500 toys.
“It made me realize that a lot of people really need help for most of the holiday season,” he told KXAN in late November. “A lot of people are in bad situations.”
As of late November, Diaz said about a half-dozen local businesses were involved, offering donations or setting up donation boxes at their stores in support of his efforts.
The driveway provides toys for kids in several blocks north of Austin, including Rundberg, Brownie Drive and St. John’s Field.
“It’s not just the kids who are happy and excited,” he said. “The parents seem to be enjoying it too. It’s a really good feeling to be able to help.”