BART gives back to the communities it serves with annual Holiday Toy Drive

Children crafting at We Care Services for Children in Concord. 

The holidays will look a little different at We Care Services for Children this year.  

The Concord-based nonprofit is the recipient of BART’s 2025 Holiday Toy Drive, a seasonal tradition where employees give back to the communities BART serves.  

BART Board President Mark Foley chose We Care as Toy Drive’s beneficiary, a choice he said was easy.  

“BART has hosted a holiday toy drive for more than twenty years, and this year, we're proud to continue the tradition by partnering with We Care,” Foley said. “It’s an honor to get to spread joy to the young children and families this important local organization uplifts.” 

We Care supports its young clients and families with a range of targeted mental health and developmental programs. The organization rarely gets the chance to give clients gifts for the holidays, but this year, every We Care child and their siblings will be gifted a special toy to celebrate the season.  

The generosity of BART employees will “allow us to bring joy to children and hope to parents in a way that will be remembered long after the holidays,” said We Care Executive Director Pete Caldwell. “With the cost of living rising and so many families balancing everyday pressures, this partnership with BART helps bring joy and relief at a time when it’s needed most.” 

Rodd Lee, BART Assistant General Manager of External Affairs, said the toy drive reflects the spirit of BART and those who work there.  

“BART employees are deeply committed to public service, and their participation in our annual toy drive exemplifies this dedication,” he said. “Our agency is grateful to give back to the communities we serve.”

Members of CANA, which runs the Mission Food Hub, the BART Board, BART executive staff, and BART Police pose in front of some of the toys donated by BART for its 2024 Holiday Toy Drive. Each year, the toys are ceremoniously given to the recipient organization at the last BART Board meeting of the year.

In 2024, BART employees donated more than 1,100 toys and $3,600 in gift cards for the year’s recipient organization, Mission Food Hub. 

In December, We Care is planning a special holiday week, where staff will distribute gifts during therapy sessions, preschool visits, and home-based appointments. We Care staff knows every family personally, so they can match each child with a gift they’ll love, whether it’s a toy train, giant stuffie, singing rabbit, or sit ‘n spin.  

“The children know and trust our staff, so receiving something from us feels genuine — like a small extension of the care and support we are known for,” Caldwell explained. “It’s a gesture that reminds them they’re valued and cared for.” 

We Care alum Jason is testament to the great heights children can reach when they’re respected and supported.  

When Jason was adopted, his dad worried about finding a preschool that would understand his abilities, including his delayed speech development. Jason's dad was initially hesitant when referred to We Care, but he began noticing his son changing and growing not long after joining the preschool program.  

“We Care helped my son discover his creativity and capabilities, and to build the foundation for the remarkable person he is today,” his dad said. “The staff at We Care are true heroes.” 

Children crafting at We Care Services for Children in Concord. 

Fifteen years after graduating from preschool, Jason walked across the stage at Mt. Diablo High School to accept his high school diploma. 

“Because of We Care, Jason doesn’t think about his limitations,” his dad said, adding that Jason aspires to become a chef or school bus driver. Jason, like many children, loves public transit.  

Many We Care families rely on BART to get around the Bay Area, including to their programs, so partnering with BART on the toy drive seemed a natural extension of this work.  

“BART plays a vital role in keeping our community connected,” Caldwell said. “It helps parents reach work, schools, and essential services that support family stability — things that directly impact the well-being of children like those we serve.” 

“This partnership with BART reflects the spirit of public transit – connection and care,” he concluded. “BART is committed to strengthening the communities it reaches, which makes the toy drive especially meaningful and greatly valued.” 

Learn more about We Care Services for Children, including how you can support the organization this season, at wecarechildren.org.