Hi everyone! We are The Joy Makers, a student team from Ringling College of Art and Design coming together to make a real difference this holiday season.

We’re partnering with Children First, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization based in Sarasota, Florida, to support their annual holiday gift drive for local children and families in need.

Our goal is to raise funds, design, and assemble special gift bags for children supported by Children First. These families work hard every day to provide for their kids, and we want to bring them moments of joy, hope, and relief during the holidays.

Children First serves families from low-income communities by focusing on early childhood education, health, and family well-being. Their work ensures that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential — and we want to help them continue that mission.

Your donation will directly support purchasing toys, books, and creative materials for children’s holiday gifts, as well as help us design and assemble customized JoyMaker gift bags that make each child feel seen and cared for.

This project is not only about giving back — it’s also a meaningful opportunity for us to gain hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and project management through real community collaboration. We’re learning how to plan strategically, fundraise effectively, and work together to create a positive impact.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps bring joy to a child this holiday season. Together, we can make sure that every child supported by Children First feels loved, celebrated, and remembered.

Thank you for helping us make this season brighter — one gift bag at a time.

With gratitude,

The Joy Makers Team