The spirit of giving was palpable this December in Howard County, thanks to the annual Toys for Tots campaign led by County Executive Calvin Ball in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR), Howard County Government's Department of Recreation & Parks, and the Howard County Public School System. Ball's 10th annual initiative, held last Friday, turned a government building in Columbia into a hub of holiday cheer as nearly 4,000 children received toys, breaking county records. For those wanting a glimpse of the event, photos are available on the county’s Flickr website.
Calvin Ball reflected on the importance of the giveaway, stating, "While the holiday season is a perfect time for us to reflect and count our blessings and the special people in our lives, for some of our friends and neighbors who may be financially struggling in silence, this time of year can be especially hard." He continued, "Through our annual Toys for Tots campaign, we hope to spread love and cheer and help make the holidays a little lighter and brighter for every Howard County child and family." This comment was a part of the official statement released on the Howard County website.
Since the beginning of his tenure in December 2018, there has been a steady increase in the number of families benefited by the program. Starting from 617 families in 2019, the program has grown its reach significantly over the years. Even in the face of adversity, and perhaps when it mattered the most during the global pandemic, Ball's initiative extended help to 660 families in 2020. Subsequently, the program saw an upward trajectory to 1,206 families in 2021 and 1,222 in 2022. 2023 marked a slight dip to 1,168 families, while 2024 saw a rebound, serving 1,569 families.
The 2025 campaign set the bar even higher, with 1,970 families benefiting from the generosity of county employees and residents.
