Sacramento nonprofit to host holiday gift drive to give back to community

Voice of the Youth plans to distribute more than 4,000 holiday gifts to Sacramento-area children and families during its annual giveaway on Dec. 21.

The registration-only event marks the fifth year of the nonprofit’s seasonal drive. Founder Berry Accius said the organization has expanded each year to meet growing demand from families under financial strain.

“Families are carrying a lot. Youth are carrying even more. We hear the stories from parents who simply cannot stretch their budgets any further,” Accius said. “This giveaway is about letting families know they are not alone. Hope is powerful. If we can give a child one moment of joy or give a parent a sense of relief, that moment can change everything.”

The annual drive began in 2020 with a goal of 1,000 gifts. That year, the group distributed more than 2,000. Accius said the nonprofit’s reach has grown along with community need.

“The holiday season has increasingly become a source of anxiety rather than celebration,” he said. “Inflation, reduced work hours, rising rents, and the emotional toll of year-long instability have left many parents struggling to maintain necessities.”

Accius described the effort as a way to offer “hope in moments of uncertainty and bring light to families facing hardships.”

“Voice of the Youth relies on the generosity of the community to meet the needs of thousands of families. Each contribution ensures that in dark and uncertain times, families still feel supported and children still experience moments of joy,” he said.

Donations can be made at using can be sent via Cashapp to $voyimpact and Venmo to @voyimpact. Contributions via PayPal can be sent to 1voiceoftheyouth@gmail.com.