Community Impact
Serve thousands of children every year, expand distribution across Metro Detroit and support underserved communities year round.
Our Story
About the Toy Drive
Twelve consecutive hours of toy collection and community engagement, and the start of one of Detroit’s signature holiday traditions.
A Holiday Initiative Built for Detroit’s Kids
The 12 Hour Toy Drive is a community based holiday initiative that provides toys and gifts to children and families throughout Metropolitan Detroit during the Christmas season. It runs as a twelve hour community engagement experience, equal parts toy collection, celebration and connection.
The purpose is simple: bring businesses, nonprofits, schools, churches, fraternities, sororities, civic organizations and community leaders together so that every child in Detroit experiences the joy of the holidays.
More Than a Drop Off
- Toy CollectionNew, unwrapped toys collected and distributed to children across the city.
- Live EntertainmentLive DJs, a showcase of live jazz and music all day long.
- Food and FellowshipFood tasting, games and family engagement at Eat at Bert’s.
- Community OutreachMeet coaches, players, sponsors and resource partners from across Detroit.
Dozens of Partners. One Detroit.
The inaugural toy drive brought together community businesses, nonprofit and youth serving organizations, health and wellness groups, local artists and entertainers, corporate supporters, volunteer teams and community influencers, laying the foundation for one of Detroit’s signature annual holiday traditions.
Our Vision
Michigan’s Premier Community Holiday Event
To establish the 12 Hour Toy Drive as Michigan’s premier community driven holiday giving event, while creating year round opportunities for sponsorship, volunteerism and community impact.
Brand Development
Build recognition throughout Michigan with strategic corporate partnerships and a sustainable fundraising model.
Digital Expansion
Online donations, sponsor and volunteer registration, announcements and campaign tracking, all in one place.
Marracci No. 13
The 12 Hour Toy Drive is presented by Marracci No. 13, brothers of the Shrine whose lifelong commitment to charity, fellowship and lifting up children is the heartbeat of this movement, together with Detroit Sports Zone and community partners.
That spirit of giving is woven through every one of the twelve hours.
From the Founder
“Every child deserves the joy of the season.”
Eugene Lewis, Founder · Detroit Sports Zone
As we prepare for the Second Annual 12 Hour Toy Drive, our objective is to elevate this from a successful community initiative into a recognizable regional brand and a sustainable year round charitable platform. Together, we can make this one of Detroit’s most impactful traditions.
December 23 · Noon to Midnight
Join the Mission
Bring a toy, lend a hand or bring your organization to the table.