This holiday season, Catholic Charities Community Services brought the spirit of generosity and belonging to life by hosting a Holiday Toy Market for families served through its Refugee Resettlement Department — an event designed to celebrate dignity, choice, and community during a time of year that can be especially challenging for families rebuilding their lives.
Made possible through a successful toy drive, the Holiday Toy Market welcomed more than 30 families and 60 children into a festive, market-style space filled with toys, laughter, and holiday cheer. Parents and children were invited to browse tables and select gifts that felt meaningful for their families. By offering choice rather than simply distributing gifts, the event honored parents’ voices and empowered families, reinforcing Catholic Charities’ commitment to serving with respect and compassion.
Volunteers from the New York Junior League played a vital role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. From assisting families as they moved through the market to carefully wrapping gifts, volunteers helped transform the event into a true celebration — one marked by kindness, joy, and human connection.
“It’s a Symbol of Joy” – Voices from the Holiday Market
For many families, the impact of the day went far beyond the gifts themselves.
Louis Garcia, a client served through the Refugee Resettlement Department, shared what the experience meant to him as a parent. “To receive these gifts for my children is something priceless,” Garcia said. “It’s a symbol of joy — seeing them excited when you bring them a toy. You make sacrifices, you travel far, all just to see a smile on your children’s faces. That’s what makes it worth it.”
Garcia also reflected on the deeper meaning of the holiday season, emphasizing gratitude, unity, and hope for the future. “For me, Christmas is about unity—sharing with family, learning from the past, and starting fresh,” he said. “It’s about leaving the bad behind, renewing your thoughts, and being grateful for everything you lived through this year and what’s still to come, especially for my daughters.”
Rachel, another client who was served through the Refugee Resettlement Department, echoed the importance of the event, particularly during a time when resources can be limited and the holidays feel heavy. “Events like this mean so much to me,” Rachel shared. “Back home in Haiti, I worked with children, and when I came here, I was looking for a place where I could belong. When I found Catholic Charities, I found a family.”
As a single mother raising her young daughter on her own, Rachel spoke about the comfort and reassurance the Holiday Toy Market provided. “It’s just me and my child,” she said. “There isn’t anyone else to support us, so knowing my daughter will be happy this holiday season means everything to me.”
For refugee families navigating new beginnings, the holidays can bring a mix of hope and hardship. Through the Holiday Toy Market, Catholic Charities Community Services and its partners offered more than gifts — they offered connection, reassurance, and a reminder that these families are not alone.
Through shared compassion and community support, the Holiday Toy Market became a reminder of what the season is truly about. Moments of joy, dignity, and belonging helped refugee families feel at home.
