Celebrating the 2025 Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive: A Powerful Season of Giving
The Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive returned for another unforgettable year, bringing joy, generosity, and community spirit to Oakland just in time for the holidays. As a law firm dedicated to protecting workers and uplifting the communities we serve, Pacific Workers is incredibly proud to have sponsored this meaningful event for the second year in a row.
This year’s Toy Drive, held in collaboration with the Oakland Mayor and the Oakland Alameda County Firefighters Local 55, achieved something truly remarkable: over $25,000 raised to support local families during the holiday season. The impact was felt across the city, from children receiving gifts to families experiencing a little light during a challenging year.
The event highlights the depth of community involvement, the impressive list of sponsors, and special guests including Judge Gene Lam, Judge Eugene Gogerman, Fire Chief Damon Covington, and Firefighter Nader Modawer .
Overview of the Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive
The Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive has grown into a cherished annual tradition, a celebration of generosity and community support. Each year, leaders in workers' compensation, public service, and local nonprofits come together with one shared mission: making the holidays brighter for children across Oakland and Alameda County.
The collaboration with Local 55 firefighters and community partners reinforces the event’s purpose: bringing people together to help families who need support the most.
Event Highlights for 2025
This year’s Toy Drive reached new heights, delivering:
$25,000+ raised for local families
Hundreds of toys donated
A venue filled with people and true giving at The Rotunda Building
Participation from the Oakland Mayor’s office and numerous community leaders
The energy in the room was unforgettable, warm smiles, overflowing donation bins, and the shared joy of knowing that every contribution would soon be in the hands of a child.
Pacific Workers’ Commitment to Community Giving
At Pacific Workers, our mission extends beyond legal advocacy. We believe deeply in supporting the community that supports us, especially the workers, families, and first responders who keep our region strong.
Over the past several years, we’ve proudly given over $100,000 to support firefighters and their charitable causes. These partnerships reflect our core values: compassion, service, teamwork, and integrity.
Why Giving Back Matters to Us
Our work centers on helping injured workers rebuild their lives. We see firsthand how hardship affects families. That’s why giving back isn’t just important, it’s personal.
Supporting events like the Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive allows us to contribute to the well-being of the community long before someone walks through our doors seeking legal help. It’s our way of standing beside the people we represent, both in and out of the courtroom.
A Look Back: Our Second Year Sponsoring the Toy Drive
This was our second year sponsoring the Toy Drive, and our involvement has only grown stronger.
In previous years, our team collected so many toys that we filled two to three cars and personally delivered them to Oakland Fire Station 8, where Local 55 firefighters helped distribute them to families.
Those early years were the spark that fueled our ongoing commitment, and seeing the positive effect of those donations inspired us to take our involvement even further.
Growing Impact Year Over Year
Each year, we’ve seen:
More toys
More volunteers
More community partners
More children benefiting from the program
This year’s $25,000 milestone represents that growth—and we couldn’t be prouder.
The Power of Partnership with Local 55 Firefighters
None of this would be possible without the incredible firefighters who give their hearts, hands, and time to this cause. Their leadership and commitment ensure that every donation goes where it’s needed most.
Local 55 has always been more than first responders, they’re community champions.
Firefighter Shout-Outs
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to several firefighters whose dedication makes this Toy Drive possible year after year:
Jim Whitty
Mike Hillesheim
Nader Modawer
Jeff Haughy
These individuals, and the entire Local 55 team, are the backbone of this event. Their passion for serving others continues to inspire us.
How the Community Benefits From the Toy Drive
The holiday season can be especially hard for families facing economic challenges. The Toy Drive ensures that children across Oakland and Alameda County receive gifts that bring joy, comfort, and celebration during a time that might otherwise feel difficult.
These toys bring more than holiday cheer, they offer hope, normalcy, and the reassurance that their community cares.
Pacific Workers’ Ongoing Philanthropy
Beyond the Toy Drive, Pacific Workers is continuously involved in local charitable efforts, educational programs, and community partnerships aimed at uplifting workers and families.
Our goal is simple: to be a resource our clients and community can depend on, inside and outside of legal matters.
How Clients Make This Possible
We say this often, and we mean it:
Our clients are the reason we can give back.
Every case we handle, every worker we advocate for, strengthens our ability to reinvest in the community. Your trust fuels our mission.
FAQs About the Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive
1. What is the Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive?
It’s an annual holiday event bringing together workers' comp professionals, firefighters, and community members to collect toys and donations for local families.
2. Who organizes the event?
The Toy Drive is a collaboration between workers' comp organizations, the Oakland Mayor, and the Oakland Alameda County Firefighters Local 55.
3. How much was raised this year?
Over $25,000 was raised to support children and families during the holiday season.
4. How does Pacific Workers contribute?
We sponsor the event, collect toys, attend the drive, and have donated more than $100,000 to firefighter charities over the years.
5. Who benefits from the Toy Drive?
Families throughout Oakland and Alameda County who need extra help during the holidays.
6. How can I support the Toy Drive next year?
You can donate toys, attend the event, become a sponsor, or volunteer with Local 55 firefighters.
Conclusion
The 2025 Workers' Comp Community Toy Drive was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. With over $25,000 raised, countless toys collected, and unforgettable community spirit, this year marked one of the most impactful events yet.
Pacific Workers is honored to stand beside Local 55 firefighters, city leaders, our clients, and the broader community as we continue building a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time.