3 Lessons from the Amigos for Kids Toy Drive

Last holiday season, I had the privilege of volunteering at the 4th Annual Amigos for Kids Toy Drive, hosted by Whips Miami and led by my colleague, JC. The event was a massive success, drawing over 600 attendees and collecting an incredible $25,000 worth of toys to brighten the holidays for children in need.

While the toys were the highlight, the real impact of the day was the sense of kindness, connection, and belonging I felt. Here are the three biggest lessons I learned from this heartwarming experience.

1. Kindness Has No Age

JC’s leadership and generosity at just 23 years old were inspiring. Having worked alongside him, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful and kind he is, both in and out of the office. Of course, like anyone his age, he probably has his moments—but his willingness to step up and support others stands out.

While I’m sure JC’s parents played a huge role in shaping his character, I believe there’s something innate about his generosity. Some people just seem born with a special dose of it. Over the years, I’ve seen parents who model kindness yet raise children who don’t reflect it—and the reverse is also true. JC, however, is a shining example of someone who embodies kindness, and it’s inspiring to see him use his passion for cars as a tool for good.

This toy drive marked his fourth year organizing the event, and each time, it’s grown bigger and better. His actions remind me that kindness isn’t about age or status; it’s about showing up and making space for others. JC has shown that you can lead with heart at any stage in life, and his work continues to inspire everyone around him.

2. The Power of Social Media

JC’s social media presence played a huge role in the toy drive’s success. With 17.2K Instagram followers and an impressive 112.3K TikTok followers, his platform is laser-focused on one thing: cars. Luxury cars, fast cars, dream cars—you name it, and it’s likely featured on his profiles.

This niche focus has allowed him to build an audience that’s deeply engaged and genuinely interested in what he’s about. When he promoted the toy drive, his followers responded, with many attending or donating simply because they felt connected to JC and his mission.

Having a niche social media image like JC’s is powerful. It creates a loyal community and helps turn passions into platforms for good. For someone like me, who loves a little bit of everything, it’s a bit harder to niche down. But JC’s success is proof that if you find your lane, you can use it to make a big impact—even beyond your immediate circle.

3. The Power of Belonging

What stood out most during the event was how people showed up—not just because of the cause, but because they felt like they were part of something. Many attendees were there to showcase their cars, a reflection of Whips Miami’s luxury car culture, but that didn’t diminish the power of their presence.

Belonging to a community, whether it’s centered around a hobby, skill, or shared interest, is a strong motivator. People thrive when they feel like they’re part of something meaningful. Sometimes, that sense of belonging drives support more than even family or friends might.

At the toy drive, the shared love of cars created a magnetic pull, bringing together a diverse group of individuals. It was a reminder that when people feel connected to a group or cause, they show up. And when they show up, incredible things—like $25,000 worth of toys—can happen.

Reflection and Gratitude

As the toy drive came to an end and we packed up the donations, I was overwhelmed by the power of kindness, social media, and community. JC’s efforts didn’t just collect toys; they brought people together to make a tangible difference.

This experience reminded me that we all have something to offer, whether it’s through our time, our skills, or our passions. It showed me that even small actions—like sharing an event on social media or attending to support a cause—can ripple outward in ways we may never fully see.

To JC and everyone involved in the Amigos for Kids Toy Drive, thank you for the inspiration. It’s a day I won’t forget, and one that left me with a renewed sense of hope for what we can accomplish together. Here’s to kindness, community, and making the world a little brighter, one act at a time.