Dylan Mitchell Memorial Toy Drive for Foster Kids

Our oldest son Dylan was killed in a tragic crash when he was riding his bicycle to work on May 23, 2013. Dylan was only 21 years old and just starting his adult life in a promising career in the electrical trade when an inattentive truck driver tragically ended it.

Every day is difficult without our precious son Dylan, but it becomes even more challenging around the holidays without him with us. Dylan’s Birthday is Christmas, so it has forever changed how we would spend his Birthday and Christmas. Every year since Dylan’s passing, we have held a toy drive in his honor. Being able to help others in difficult times helps us get through the holidays with our huge void.

Dylan loved children, and many of the kids in our small community loved Dylan and enjoyed having him as a camp counselor, swim coach, tutor or big buddy. So it only felt fitting to hold a fundraiser for children. Dylan's upbeat personality was something everyone loved about him, and we miss him so much every single day. Having a toy drive for Foster Youth, in particular, felt right because, in 2014, we fostered a little boy for the first year of his life. Foster children and teens need extra support around the holidays, and it felt right to give back to the program that gave us so much hope when we were going through the darkest time of our lives.

So this is the 9th year we will be holding the “Annual Dylan Mitchell Memorial Toy Drive For Foster Kids.” All donations will go directly to local foster youth through the Contra Costa County Foster Family Network. I will collect new unwrapped toys, gift cards, teen gifts and cash donations. If you would like to donate a toy, don't hesitate to get in touch with me to arrange a local pick-up, or you can also drop the donations off at my home in Clayton. I will be collecting toys until December 5th. This account is set up for cash donations, of which 100% will go towards buying toys, gift cards and items needed for the foster youth program.

Thank You for helping make the holidays brighter for our family and local foster youth! Your donations are also tax deductible. Contra Costa County Foster Family Network Tax ID# 68-0373713