Credit: Johnavyn Morin / Tejano Nation
HOUSTON, TX — For seventeen years now, the Negami Toy Drive, hosted by Grupo Negami, has been a source of hope, joy, and holiday magic for children throughout the Cloverleaf community of Houston, Texas.
Weeks before the outreach begins, the spirit of giving comes alive at a special concert where admission is a simple but powerful gesture—an unwrapped toy. Volunteers then sort each donation by age and gender, carefully wrapping every gift and packing it with love for the distribution day. As this work unfolds, the sounds of music fill the air, with performances from talented artists and students from local schools, creating a celebration rooted in unity and generosity.
Courtesy: Up Above Entertainment
Each year, the concert continues to grow, becoming one of the community’s most meaningful and anticipated events. Community leaders, local businesses, staff, and the Tejano community stand side by side, giving their time, resources, and support to a cause that has touched countless families and changed lives.
The distribution day begins early Saturday morning as volunteers arrive. The boxes of toys are loaded as excitement builds. Santa makes a special appearance, bringing smiles and laughter, while Negami frontman Juan Carlos Villegas speaks about the mission of the Toy Drive and the importance of safety in its process. As we travel the streets of Cloverleaf, stopping at locations throughout. Various families gather from near and far. Children run with joy to greet Santa, their faces lighting up as they receive their gifts.
“I am so grateful to you all for doing this for our kids,” one mother said through tears of joy—a moment that captures exactly why this work matters.
To be able to step into the community and bring the true spirit of Christmas to these children is what it’s all about. “I am deeply thankful for every donation, for our sponsors, and for our volunteers,” said Villegas. “Because of you, we are able to continue the Negami Toy Drive and make a lasting difference in a child’s life.”
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