From Carnival to Comfort: How the San Diego County Fair Brings Joy to Hospitalized Children

The sun shone brightly over Del Mar as the gates of the San Diego County Fair opened, ushering in waves of excited visitors. Among the bustling crowd were families, friends, and children, all eager to enjoy the rides, games, and delicious treats. Unbeknownst to many, a heartwarming tradition was taking place amidst the carnival atmosphere, one that would touch the lives of thousands of children far beyond the fairgrounds.

The Spark of Generosity

Nancy Stoke, the dedicated Chair of the Care 'n Share Toy Drive, looked out over the sea of colorful tents and booths with a smile. For fifteen years, she had watched this fair transform from a fun-filled event into a beacon of kindness. It all started with a simple idea: to collect stuffed animals won at the fair and donate them to children in hospitals.

In 2009, Nancy set up a modest wooden toy bin at the fair, hoping to gather a few toys for kids in need. That first year, 150 stuffed animals found new homes in local hospitals. It was a humble beginning, but Nancy saw the potential for so much more.

A Community United

The Care 'n Share Toy Drive grew each year, thanks to the incredible generosity of the fair's visitors. In 2024, the effort reached new heights with 6,500 stuffed animals donated. Guests who won toys at the fair eagerly dropped them into bins placed at the fairgrounds exits, knowing their prizes would soon bring smiles to hospitalized children.

On a sunny Tuesday in July, Nancy and her team began loading trucks with the thousands of stuffed animals collected. Representatives from the Foundation for the Children of the Californias were on hand, ready to deliver these tokens of joy to children's hospitals in San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico.

The Heart of the Fair

The San Diego County Fair, organized by the 22nd District Agricultural Association, is more than just an entertainment venue. Under the leadership of CEO Carlene Moore, the fair has become a pillar of the community, fostering a spirit of giving and togetherness. "We are grateful to serve our diverse communities through the San Diego County Fair, and our partnership with the Care 'n Share Toy Drive is a special part of our efforts," Carlene said. "Together, and thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests, we have helped put smiles on the faces of tens of thousands of children on both sides of the border."

Acts of Kindness

The true magic of the Care 'n Share Toy Drive lies in the small acts of kindness from fairgoers, especially the children. Volunteers often share stories of young visitors who, upon hearing about the toy drive, decide to donate their hard-earned prizes. One volunteer recalled, "It is truly an amazing experience seeing kids at the San Diego County Fair donate their stuffed animal prizes, which they fought so hard to win at the fair, to the Care 'n Share Toy Drive. But what is most remarkable and impressive about this project is that it is the kids at the fair (not their parents) making the decision to donate their stuffed animals. Time and time again, little 9- and 10-year-old boys and girls heard our announcement about the toy drive and then stopped, thought for a moment, and asked their parents if they could give up their large Cookie Monster, Mario, or Pikachu to help another child in need."

Bringing Joy to Hospitals

The stuffed animals collected through the Care 'n Share Toy Drive are more than just toys; they become sources of comfort for children facing challenging medical conditions. Nancy Stoke, reflecting on the drive’s impact, expressed her gratitude. “I would like to express my gratitude to the community for their generosity in sharing their prizes with brave kids going through challenging times. We appreciate our 15-year relationship with the San Diego County Fair, as well as the support of so many volunteers that selflessly give their time to this wonderful cause.”

Looking Ahead

As the Care 'n Share Toy Drive continues to grow, Nancy and her team remain committed to expanding its reach. Each year brings new opportunities to collect more stuffed animals and bring joy to more children in need. The drive's success hinges on the continued support of the community and the enduring spirit of generosity that it inspires.

For those inspired to contribute, there are many ways to get involved. Whether it's through donating a prized stuffed animal, volunteering time, or spreading the word, every effort counts. As Nancy Stoke and her team prepare for next year's drive, they remain hopeful and dedicated to their mission.

The Care 'n Share Toy Drive is a shining example of how a simple idea can grow into a powerful force for good. Through the collective efforts of fairgoers, volunteers, and community leaders, thousands of children in hospitals have received a bit of joy and comfort during difficult times. As the San Diego County Fair continues to thrive, so too does this incredible tradition, proving that the spirit of giving is alive and well in Del Mar.

For more information on the Care 'n Share Toy Drive, please visit carensharetoydrive.com. To learn more about the 22nd District Agricultural Association and the San Diego County Fair, visit delmarfairgrounds.com.

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