Families donate gifts during this year’s FaLaLa Lakewood toy drive. Photo courtesy Liz Labianca Photography.
The FaLaLa Lakewood toy drive broke records this year by raising over $100,000 in toy and cash donations, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
The annual event started in 2020 and benefits the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, which aims to help abused children. Santa Claus and his elves paraded through Lakewood on Dec. 6, collecting new and unwrapped gifts for the DCAC’s kids.
“Continuing the FaLaLa Lakewood legacy is both an honor and a joy,” said Caitlin Maddox, one of the new leaders of the drive, in a press release. “Bringing our neighborhood together to kick off the season — and showing our children what generosity looks like in such a tangible, meaningful way — is what makes this event so special.”
The drive has grown in the past five years, starting from a small group of volunteers to now more than 2,500 supporters, according to the press release. These efforts are expected to benefit 1,600 children via DCAC.
“We couldn’t be prouder of what we created with FaLaLa Lakewood,” co-founder Gable Roby said in a press release. “Each year, it sparks the spirit of giving in our neighborhood, and teaches our children what it means to serve. Seeing this tradition continue in such passionate, capable hands is truly energizing.”
