How It All Began: Christmas 1988

Every great movement starts with a single moment of reflection. During Christmas in 1988, Toy Lift founder Tom Powell looked around his home and realized just how fortunate his own family was, surrounded by gifts and abundance. Wondering about less fortunate children in the community, he sparked an idea that would change the holidays for thousands of local families across central Virginia.

The Bucket That Started a Movement (1989)

With a mission to make sure every child experienced joy during the holidays, Tom brought his vision to life in December of 1989. Armed with determination, he climbed up into a bucket truck lift parked right at his gas station located on the corner of Route 29 and Hydraulic Road in Charlottesville—and stayed up there until the community answered the call with toy donations. That memorable stunt marked the very first official “Toy Lift.”

Decades of Community Impact

What started as a grassroots effort by a local business owner has grown exponentially over the decades. Today, the Toy Lift has evolved into central Virginia’s premier annual charity event, held annually on the first Friday of every December.

Over the years, the organization has expanded its reach while staying true to its core values:

  • Expanding Service Areas: Growing from a localized Charlottesville event to supporting children and families across Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, and Nelson counties.
  • The Power of Volunteers: Evolving from a single-person effort into a massive, 100% volunteer-run operation driven by a dedicated board, seasonal coordinators, and hundreds of community volunteers.
  • Lasting Traditions: Becoming a beloved holiday staple that brings together local schools, businesses, families, and emergency responders year after year.

Be Part of Our Next Chapter

For over three decades, the generosity of the Charlottesville community has kept Tom Powell’s mission alive. Whether you want to participate in our December event, donate new toys and books, or volunteer your time, your support ensures our history of giving continues.