We held our Friendsgiving Celebration last Thursday night the 14th, on a private terrace at Bulla Gastrobar in Coral Gables, Florida. The fall weather in Miami was perfection, the company was even better, and the evening felt like the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Together, we launched the 3rd Annual Holiday Magic Toy & Family Basket Drive, and the excitement in the air was contagious!
This initiative has become one of the South Florida Women’s Group’s most cherished traditions. Now in its third year, we’re more determined than ever to make a difference in the lives of local children and families in need.
South Florida Women’s Group: Women Giving Back
When we started the South Florida Women’s Group, we had a vision. Yes, we wanted a space where women could connect and network, but more importantly, we wanted to bring together like-minded, giving women who were committed to making a real impact in the lives of individuals in our community.
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about helping individuals directly. It’s personal, it’s meaningful, and it reminds us that even small actions can change lives. This philosophy is at the heart of our Holiday Magic Toy & Family Basket Drive, in collaboration with Samantha’s Purpose.
Since 2022, we’ve provided toys for over 1,000 children and family baskets for more than 100 families. These baskets are more than just gifts—they’re symbols of hope, filled with essentials like toiletries, non-perishable foods, and small items to bring joy during the holidays. This year, our goal is to bring holiday magic to 600 children and at least 40 families. And while that’s our goal, we know the need is greater. We’re ready to do more if we can—and with your help, we will.
How You Can Help with the 3rd Annual Toy & Family Basket Drive
There are so many ways to get involved in this year’s drive:
Donate Toys: Shop from our Amazon Wish List, or if you find a better deal on a listed toy elsewhere, feel free to purchase it there and let us know.
Contribute to Family Baskets: Assemble a basket with essentials, or donate funds, and we’ll put it together for you.
Give Gift Cards: Gift cards to Target or Walmart are incredibly helpful and allow families to purchase what they need most.
Make a Monetary Donation: Can’t shop or assemble a basket? A financial contribution goes a long way toward supporting families.
Spread the Word: Share this drive with your friends, family, and coworkers. The more people who know, the greater our reach.
High School Service Hours: Know a student who needs service hours?
5 hours for assembling a family basket
1 hour for every $25 donation or gift card
Every bit of effort—no matter how small—helps us make the holidays brighter for families in need.
Where Your Donations Are Going
We want you to know exactly where your support is making a difference. Here are the programs and events your contributions are helping to fund:
KIDCO Creative Learning Center: This nonprofit organization serves at-risk children and families in Wynwood, Little Haiti, Hialeah, and nearby communities. Many of the families face significant challenges, including single-parent households, limited education, high unemployment, and living at or below poverty levels. Your donations help provide toys and family baskets to children and families in need.
L.I.N.K. Club ELFSTRAVAGANZA at Christopher Columbus High School: On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the L.I.N.K. Club will host its 3rd Annual ELFSTRAVAGANZA, a sensory-friendly event for children with special needs to meet Santa in a comfortable setting. Samantha’s Purpose is providing 150-200 toys so that every child receives a gift from Santa. We’ll also host an arts and crafts booth, with middle and high school volunteers helping children create festive crafts. For the parents and guardians, we’ll have a special treat area to make the day memorable for everyone.
Shenandoah Elementary Christmas Celebration with Be the Light Foundation: On December 17th, we’re partnering with the Be the Light Foundation to host a Christmas celebration at Shenandoah Elementary. Instead of simply distributing toys, we’ll set up a “Santa’s Workshop” with arts and crafts, activities, and festive treats for kindergarten through 3rd-grade students. Additionally, we’ll provide a minimum of 20 Family Baskets for families facing severe financial hardship, housing insecurity, and other challenges. If additional support is received, we’re prepared to create more baskets to help even more families in need.
The Joy of Giving
Growing up, I was taught that giving isn’t just for those with financial means—it’s for everyone. If you don’t have the funds to donate, you can give your time. If you don’t have time, you can give your talent. Every single one of us has something to offer, and it all matters.
The South Florida Women’s Group is proof of this. What started as a small group of 20 women has grown into a community of incredible, compassionate women who come together to make a difference. We’ve built this group to be more than just a space for networking—it’s a place where we can be our authentic selves while giving back in meaningful ways. This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving. Whether it’s your time, your talent, or your treasure, you have the power to bring joy to someone else. And trust me, the joy you’ll feel in return is the greatest gift of all.
Together, we’re unstoppable. Let’s keep growing, giving, and spreading magic—this holiday season and beyond.
Mark your Calendars for our Holiday Mix & Mingle event on December 5th...more information to follow shortly. Keep checking back for the details.
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