Hundreds of gifts made their way to local children in need this holiday season thanks to an effort by the families and friends of Ty Drinkard and Blayne Shackelford.

The fifth-annual toy drive, held in memory of the two boys who died in a car crash in June 2020, culminated in a delivery to Light of the City and the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center in Summerdale.

The drive, spearheaded by the boys' mothers, Daphne Stamps and Elizabeth Koziol, has become a beacon of light for the community.

"On behalf of both families, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who donated toys to the drive in memory of our sons, Blayne and Ty. Your kindness and generosity have truly touched our hearts," Stamps and Koziol said in a joint statement. "The outpouring of support from our community has brought so much comfort over the years, and we are honored to see Blayne and Ty's legacy continue through your thoughtful contributions. Each toy donated represents not only the spirit of giving but also a reminder of the love and compassion that surrounds us."

With the help of schools, businesses, local organizations and individual donors, the drive collected more than 900 toys, including bicycles, games, books and creative supplies.

"Your generosity will bring joy to so many children, and it means the world to us to know that Blayne and Ty's memory is being celebrated in such a meaningful way," the mothers stated. "Thank you for your support, for helping to make this toy drive a success, and for keeping the memory of our sons alive in such a beautiful and impactful way."

In addition to distributing toys to Light of the City, which operates out of the Douglasville School of Arts & Recreation campus and provides summer camps and after-school tutoring, the families made a Christmas delivery to the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center, also known as CARE House.

The Advocacy Center, which serves children impacted by abuse, shared its appreciation on social media.

"Through the dedication of their loving families and the incredible community support, we've been blessed with an outpouring of gifts — from new bicycles to toys and creative supplies — all meant to brighten the holidays for local children in need. Each donation carries forward Ty and Blayne's spirit of kindness and friendship, touching countless young lives this Christmas season. The impact of your generosity ripples through our community, creating moments of joy that these families will treasure," the post read. "We are profoundly grateful to the B.S. Foundation, Ty Foundation, Elizabeth Koziol, Daphne Stamps and every caring soul who has contributed to this meaningful cause. Your love and support illuminate our mission and keep their beautiful memories alive."

The toy drive is part of a larger mission led by The Ty Foundation and The B.S. Foundation, established in the boys' honor. Throughout the year, the Foundations fund scholarships, support schools and contribute to projects.