Welcome
Transforming lives through kindness
Join us in spreading kindness and changing the world
About J & D A Touch of Love
Our Mission
Mission Statement: "To empower and uplift families in the DMV region by organizing impactful events that foster community support and provide essential resources to those in need. We aim to spread joy, alleviate hardship, and inspire collective generosity within our community through our initiatives."
Purpose: "Our organization is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing financial challenges, especially during difficult times. Through events like our Back-to-School Drive and Toy Drive, we bring together community members to support one another by providing necessary supplies and joyful experiences for children and families. By prioritizing compassion and community, we seek to enrich lives and build a stronger, more resilient region for all."
The heart behind the toy drive: a journey of giving
During my time at the National Institutes of Health, we had a tradition of preparing holiday care boxes filled with toys, food, and essentials for families in need. It was a joyful experience for most, but one year, I noticed a colleague didn’t participate. I assumed it might be for religious reasons, so I respectfully asked why.
Their story touched my heart. Due to illness in their family, they were caring for their younger siblings and couldn't afford holiday decorations or gifts. It was a humbling reminder that while we were giving, some were silently struggling.
This moment inspired me to start a toy drive in 2016, ensuring no child would wake up on Christmas morning without a gift. Supported by family and friends, we’ve made it our mission to bring joy to children who need it most.
Join us in making a difference. Every toy donated plants a seed of happiness in a child’s heart.
"Together, we can make a difference, one toy at a time, spreading holiday magic and hope to children in need."
Will you join us in keeping this tradition alive by donating?
2ND Corinthians 9:7 kjv
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
J & D A Touch of Love | Upcoming Evnets
2026 Toy Drive Saturday, December 5th
J & D's A Touch of Love Toy Drive aims to spread joy and warmth during the holiday season by collecting and distributing toys to underprivileged children. Our mission is to ensure that every child experiences the magic of giving and receiving, fostering a sense of community and compassion.
Slogan:
"Bringing Joy, One Toy at a Time!"
Empowerment Extravaganza: Back-to-School Bash - TBD
J & D's A Touch of Love Backpack Drive seeks to empower students in need by providing them with essential backpacks filled with school supplies. Our mission is to support education and inspire confidence in every child, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in school.
Slogan:
"Pack a Future, One Backpack at a Time!"
Volunteer With Us
Volunteer With Us
We need volunteers to help us run our programs effectively. Whether it's event planning or administrative tasks, your support can help us achieve our goals.
Join Our Network
Volunteer With Us
Become part of our network of organizations and individuals working to create a better future. Join us and connect with like-minded individuals who share your values.
Share the big news
Share the big news
Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.
Annual Toy Drive:
A Heartwarming Success!
On December 5, 2025, J & D A Touch of Love hosted its highly anticipated Annual Toy Drive, and the event exceeded all expectations. Despite an uncertain weather forecast, our community showed up with faith, generosity, and unwavering support. It was an evening filled with joy, fellowship, and gratitude, as families, volunteers, and partners came together in service, proving that love and faith shine brightest when we stand together.
Behind the scenes: The Preparation
As the day got started around 3:30 PM, the behind-the-scenes magic began. The venue was beautiful even before any décor was added, but as each detail came together, the transformation became absolutely breathtaking.
We are deeply grateful to the owner of Noelle’s Event Space for their flexibility, generosity, and nonprofit-friendly support, which allowed us to bring this vision to life while staying true to our mission and budget.
A heartfelt thank you to Spice Décor for the stunning balloon installations throughout the hall, around the dessert table, and on the stage, and to Sherri for the beautiful Christmas-themed entrance décor and twinkling lights throughout the venue. Together, their creativity filled the space with warmth, color, and holiday joy—long before the doors even opened.
✨ This is what purpose, teamwork, and love look like—before the guests arrive.
The Event: A Wonderful Evening of Giving
The Toy Collection: A Heartwarming Outcome
The 2025 Toy Drive kicked off at 6:30 PM, despite inclement weather, with 80 guests in attendance. Guests traveled from DC, Virginia, and Maryland to support our mission, creating a true community celebration.
Before the event began, we had already collected one bike and 25 toys. As the evening continued, the stage filled with gifts, reflecting the generosity of everyone in the room.
Candle centerpieces added a warm and festive touch to each table.
Guests enjoyed appetizers including assorted sandwiches, a charcuterie board, and seafood bisque, followed by a blessing and a hot, full-course dinner.
🎅 Santa delighted guests by taking photos on stage, helping arrange toys, and welcoming gift drop-offs.
🎁 Gift cards were awarded to the guest who traveled the furthest and the first to arrive, while activity winners received butter-flavored or lemon-glazed pound cakes.
🍰 As the night wound down, desserts stole the show—fruit cheesecake from Sam’s Club, three-layer carrot cake from Parkway Deli (Silver Spring), and vanilla berry cake and strawberry shortcake from Whole Foods.
The evening was made seamless by our bartender, photographer, and DJ, who kept the energy flowing from start to finish.
✨ Despite the weather, the night was filled with generosity, joy, and unforgettable moments.
I
The Toy Collection: A Heartwarming Outcome
The Toy Collection: A Heartwarming Outcome
The Toy Collection: A Heartwarming Outcome
Despite the inclement weather, by the end of the evening, we collected 190 toys, including four bikes, two scooters, three basketballs, and one football. We also received 15 McDonald's gift cards and 10 Navy Federal gift cards for local high school students, adding a thoughtful and meaningful touch to our drive.
The toys were distributed to several local organizations, including St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth & Families, the North Michigan Park Recreation Center in Washington, DC, New Hope Church of God in Waldorf, MD, and the Volunteer of America, which also delivered toys to the Pratt House in Baltimore. We are currently awaiting confirmation on additional distribution locations in Prince George’s County.
Special Thanks
The Toy Collection: A Heartwarming Outcome
Looking Forward: Making a Difference
Leadership Appreciation
A heartfelt thank you to John Neal, CEO of J&D A Touch of Love, for his leadership, dedication, and unwavering support in bringing this event and our life mission.
Family & Special Contributions
Special thanks to Sherry for her creativity, flexibility, and generous support of the holiday atmosphere.
Heartfelt appreciation to my cousin Nikki of Kourtney’s Catering for providing delicious, hot meals with flexibility and allowing us to serve our community with excellence.
Thank you to my sister Lisa for assisting with programs and table setup; my sister-in-law Dorothy for warmly welcoming guests and sponsors; and my niece (Tarnzetta) for opening the evening with prayer and serving as the liaison with the caterer to ensure smooth execution.
A special thank you to my son, Manny, for designing the sponsor boards, which beautifully showcase our supporters throughout the venue.
A very special thank you to Ed and Eric for their encouragement, emotional support, and steady presence.
Event Support
Thank you to Sam for creating J&D’s signature non-alcoholic beverage and managing the bar, to Reggie for capturing over 250 memorable photos, and to DJ Sachmore for keeping the energy high and the evening unforgettable.
Looking Forward: Making a Difference
The Toy Collection: A Heartwarming Outcome
Looking Forward: Making a Difference
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and made this event a success. It’s incredible to see how our community comes together to bring joy to children in need during the holiday season.We can’t wait for next year’s toy drive, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of giving and spreading love. Thank you for being part of this heartwarming experience!
"Together We Make a Difference: Inspiring Testimonials
Your Support Matters: Hear Our Success Stories!
On behalf of Volunteers of America Chesapeake and Carolinas, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to J & D A Touch of Love for sponsoring and hosting the Holiday Toy Drive Extravaganza over the years. Your unwavering support has made a tremendous difference in the lives of the low-income or formerly homeless children and families in our Baltimore and Prince George's County Supportive Housing programs.Thanks to your generosity, many children have experienced the joy of receiving gifts during the Christmas season, bringing hope and smiles to their faces. Your commitment to our community truly embodies the spirit of giving. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact. We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership in the future!
Christle Baker-Gill | Senior Manager of Corporate Partnerships | Spiritual Lay Leader
Support J & D A Touch of Love Today!
When you give to children in need, you're not just providing a toy; you're spreading hope and joy. Many kids may miss holiday magic, but your donation ensures they wake up with a smile, knowing someone cares. Together, let’s create lasting memories and show kindness. Donate today and be part of something special!
OUR SPONSORS (2025)
Wegmans
A huge thank you to Wegmans for their generous support of our annual Toy Drive. Your commitment to community outreach and kindness has made a meaningful impact, helping us spread joy to families in the DMV region. We are truly grateful for your contribution!"
BJ'S Wholesale club
We immensely thank BJ's Wholesale for their generous donation to our Toy Drive. Your support helps bring happiness to countless children and families, reminding us all of the importance of community and giving back.
Sam's Club
We extend our sincere gratitude to Sam's Club for their valuable contribution to this year's Toy Drive. Your generosity plays a vital role in bringing smiles to the faces of children and making the holiday season brighter for many families.
Due to the government shutdown, funding was severely limited, and I was personally affected. Through the Spark Good program, we received several grants from Walmart and Sam’s Club, which helped support logistics and the purchase of toys. We truly could not have made this event possible without their generous financial support.
parkway deli
Thank you for the mouth-watering, three-layer Carrot Cake, which was a crowd favorite and truly unforgettable.
#YourKindnessMakesALastingImpact #GratefulForYourHeartForTheCommunity #ThankYouParkwayDeli
Total Wine & More
On behalf of our organization, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation and sponsorship. Your support has truly elevated our event, adding a special touch that enhances the experience for all our guests. The curated selection of fine wines provided by Total Wine brings an added level of enjoyment and celebration, creating memorable moments for everyone in attendance.
Whole FOODS
🎉 Thank you for the delicious Berry Chantilly Cake and Strawberry Shortcake, which were beautifully presented and thoroughly enjoyed by our guests. Your kindness continues to make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your heart for the community. #CommunitySupport #Thankful #Whole Foods #ToyDrive 2025#MakingADifference
North michigan park for life
Thank you for your generous donation on behalf of J&D A Touch of Love. 🙏 Your support helps us continue serving the community through initiatives like our Toy 🎁 and Backpack 🎒 Drives.
Your kindness makes a meaningful impact, uplifting families and building a stronger, more connected community. 💕
Dogg pound
Thank you for the McDonald’s gift cards, which were especially meaningful and beneficial to our older children. Your kindness continues to make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your heart for the community.
help evoke joy
We are deeply grateful for your financial donations, which helped support event logistics and ensured everything ran smoothly. Your kindness continues to make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your heart for the community.
#CommunityImpact #GratefulHearts #ThankYou #JDA TouchOfLove #SupportLocal
I9 SPORTS
We are deeply grateful for your financial donations, which helped support event logistics and ensured everything ran smoothly. Your kindness continues to make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your heart for the community.
#CommunityImpact #GratefulHearts #ThankYou #JDA TouchOfLove #SupportLocal
Van Hoose Properties
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in helping us serve our community with excellence. Your kindness continues to make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for your heart for the community.
#CommunityPartners #ThankYou #JDA TouchOfLove #BuildingCommunity #Grateful
Contact Us
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
J & D A Touch of Love
Hours
Today | Closed |
