By Anne White
On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Person to Person (P2P) unveiled its annual “Holiday Toy Store,” a cherished tradition that brings joy to families across lower Fairfield County. Hosted at the Anderson Youth & Community Center on the Saint Luke’s campus in Darien, the event brightened the holidays for over 1,000 families this season.
The festivities began at 12:30 PM with remarks by P2P CEO Nancy Coughlin, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local elected officials, including Representatives Travis Simms, Lucy Dathan, Rachel Khanna, and Corey Paris, as well as Darien First Selectman Zagrodzky. Afterward, the Toy Store opened its doors, offering P2P clients an opportunity to select gifts for their children.
The P2P “Holiday Toy Store” has become an enduring symbol of community generosity. Each year, the event ensures that families in need can experience the joy of the holiday season. In the weeks leading up to the event, the community played a crucial role in its success:
Residents contributed generously to the Toy Store initiative by shopping locally and supporting sponsors like LUSH at the SoNo Collection. This location featured curated gift options that directly benefited the Toy Store. Additionally, online shoppers played a crucial role by purchasing gifts through P2P’s Amazon Wish List or by donating the cost of gifts at Darien Toy Box.
Volunteers were essential to the success of the event, with nearly 400 individuals lending their time and energy. From wrapping gifts at the SoNo Collection to organizing the event itself, their dedication ensured a smooth and seamless experience for all attendees.
For P2P’s clients, the Toy Store represented more than just gifts—it was a chance to provide their children with a sense of normalcy and joy during the holidays. As one parent shared, “Without these gifts, my children wouldn’t have had anything. Thank you so much, my children get to have a Christmas this year.”
The Toy Store’s success reflects a broader network of support. Corporate sponsors like M&T Bank and the efforts of hundreds of volunteers exemplified how a united community can make a meaningful difference. The event highlighted the power of shared responsibility and kindness, bringing the spirit of the season to life for Fairfield County families.
For those who would still like to contribute, toys can be dropped off at the following P2P locations:
• Stamford: 425 Fairfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902
• Darien: 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820
• Norwalk: 76 South Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06854
For more information about future events or how to contribute, contact Flor Gonzalez at (203) 621-0702 or florgonzalez@p2phelps.org.
