BART gives back to the communities it serves with annual Holiday Toy Drive

Members of CANA, which runs the Mission Food Hub, the BART Board, BART executive staff, and BART Police pose in front of some of the toys donated by BART for its 2024 Holiday Toy Drive. Each year, the toys are ceremoniously given to the recipient organization at the last BART Board meeting of the year.

Lee noted that in 2024, BART employees donated more than 1,100 toys and $3,600 in gift cards for the year's recipient organization, Mission Food Hub.

In December, We Care is planning a special holiday week, where staff will distribute gifts during therapy sessions, preschool visits, and home-based appointments. We Care staff knows every family personally, so they can match each child with a gift they'll love, whether it's a toy train, giant stuffie, singing rabbit, or sit 'n spin.

"The children know and trust our staff, so receiving something from us feels genuine - like a small extension of the care and support we are known for," Caldwell explained. "It's a gesture that reminds them they're valued and cared for."

We Care alum Jason is testament to the great heights children can reach when they're respected and supported.

When Jason was adopted, his dad worried about finding a preschool that would understand his abilities, including his delayed speech development. Jason's dad was initially hesitant when referred to We Care, but he began noticing his son changing and growing not long after joining the preschool program.

"We Care helped my son discover his creativity and capabilities, and to build the foundation for the remarkable person he is today," his dad said. "The staff at We Care are true heroes."