In 1984, Jane Kennedy (Campbell Mayor, 2000, 2005 & 2009) started the Campbell Community Toy Program. Since then, several organizations have worked together to keep this program alive.
Another person integral to elevating the program to new heights was Kelly Young Crowley. She lived in and loved Campbell, and it showed. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and infectious spirit spilled over into everything she touched, including the Campbell Toy Program.
Ken Johnson, Executive Director of the Campbell Chamber, affirms that “Kelly represented in every way the unselfish nature of a true community servant. A piece of her will always be a part of the Toy Program.”
Kelly’s bright light and spirit of giving continues to be part of the Toy Program. Since 2019, the “Kelly Crowley tree” is lit at the annual Making Spirits Bright fundraising mixer in her honor, with a new ornament adorned with her pictured placed on its branches.
In 2021, there were over 2,100 underprivileged children who qualified to receive toys, and it took a valiant effort from all parties to help. These children in need reside in Campbell and some adjacent areas of San Jose and Los Gatos. In 2022, we received applications from 927 families, the largest number ever received in the program's history. This 38-year-old program is estimated to have given back over a million dollars to those in our community who need a helping hand.
The Campbell Community Toy Program is a combined effort of many Community Partners who work in conjunction with the Campbell Union School District Grades K-8 to provide toys, games, books, and fun gifts for Christmas.
In addition, the Toy Program will be working with the American Cancer Society to support local families with children or parents who are receiving treatment and may not be able to provide gifts on their own.
Community volunteers join together to donate, gather, organize and distribute thousands of gifts through the program each year.
