GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA (December 12,2025) Thousands of toys were given away during the Heartland United Way Holiday Toy Collection & Toys for Tots Distribution.
Due to the generosity of local businesses and community members, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, families from Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties were able to pick out two gifts per child, along with stocking stuffers and other items for the whole family.
Fifty businesses, as well as Local 4 Present Patrol, collected toys for the effort this year.
More than 240 volunteer spots were filled, with some taking on multiple shifts over four days. The work included loading and unloading trucks of toys, sorting, counting and assisting parents in shopping.
Gadiel Aguilar received toys through this distribution as a child and now returns every year to help parents pick out gifts. He said once he discovered where his presents were coming from his parents stressed the importance of gratitude and giving back.
“I’m just very thankful for United Way for providing this opportunity for many families, for doing this and I think in the future if more people are interested in volunteering this is a nice gesture to do for your community,” said Aguilar.
When distribution started on Thursday, 1,021 were registered, including 2,155 children. 
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2,303 children and 1,119 families in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick Counties were provided toys.
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8 nonprofit partners picked up toys following the distribution to support children in their programs, including Legal Aid of Nebraska, TeamMates of Grand Island, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska, Third City Community Clinic, Boys Town, Literacy Council of Grand Island, Willow Rising, and the Multicultural Coalition. The Salvation Army also received toys to distribute.
Heartland United Way thanks the many volunteers, Pepsi and Subway for fueling our helpers and Fonner Park for allowing us to turn the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center into a Santa’s workshop.
There is still time to help struggling families and individuals have a happy holiday. The Heartland United Way is accepting donations for the Christmas Cheer Food program, which provides a grocery store voucher for a holiday meal for people in Hall County. You can donate here: https://www.heartlandunitedway.org/form/christmas-cheer-donation-form