More than $25,000 in gifts and essentials distributed as rising family needs underscore importance of community support
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Dec. 18, 2025 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire (BBBS OC/IE) brought holiday joy to 413 youth from 158 families during its newly expanded two-day Holiday Gift Drive Shopping Experience, distributing more than $25,000 in gifts, essential items and food support across both regions.
This year’s enhanced event arrives at a critical time, as families continue to face rising economic pressures. According to recent county data, nearly one in 10 residents in Orange County live below the federal poverty line. Across the Inland Empire, poverty rates remain far higher, affecting 17- 23% of households. In a state where roughly one in five residents now struggle to access adequate food, the expanded Holiday Gift Drive, which offers both personalized gifts and a full week of groceries, hits at a time of real and rising need.
Key impacts of the drive included:
- 413 youth and 158 families supported
- More than $25,000 in toys, gifts and essential items distributed
- 4,000 lbs of groceries and necessities, supported by the Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC) and Project Boon
- 19 community partners, volunteers and donors involved
At the Holiday Gift Drive Shopping Experience, parents and caregivers personally selected gifts tailored to their children’s interests. This approach is designed to preserve the joy of holiday surprises and honor the dignity of each family. Trained volunteers guided parents through the toy-filled shopping areas, then wrapped gifts while families enjoyed refreshments, activities and festive entertainment, including a caricature artist and holiday DJ.
“This year, we saw families facing more strain than ever,” said Jessica Gonzalez, Senior Director of Program Support Services for BBBSOC/IE. “Creating a shopping experience that lets parents choose gifts for their children preserves dignity and joy, two things every family deserves during the holidays.”
Another new element in 2025 included an expanded food support component, made possible through partners such as CAPOC, ensuring families had both meaningful holiday moments and essential resources during a season of heightened financial stress.
The event was made possible by new and returning community partners:
Orange County – Automobile Association of Southern California (AAA), Beach City Sports, CAP OC, Desert Reign Church – About Being Loved Center, Hyundai Downey, Marsh McLennan, MBK Real Estate, Montage Hotels – Hearts of Montage, Starbucks,Target
Inland Empire – National Charity League, Pick Group, Project Boon, Target, US Bank, Vista Metals, Walmart
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire serves youth across Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties through evidence-based, mentoring relationships that change lives for the better, forever.
There is currently a waiting list of nearly 100 BBBS OC/IE Littles eager to be matched with a mentor (Big), and the organization is actively seeking volunteers. Learn more at https://www.ocbigs.org/volunteer and https://www.iebigs.org/volunteer.
