Lily’s Toy Box: Built out of Love and Legos

Lily DuBose camped out in a closet during those scary tornado warnings in August 2017 when Hurricane Harvey hit. The then eight-year-old watched the news from an iPad in disbelief that people were being evacuated from their homes. While Lily’s own home did not flood, many homes in a section of her Walnut Bend neighborhood did.

After the storm, Lily was concerned that kids in her area and all over Houston had lost all of their beloved toys. So Lily had an idea: Legos. She’d collect and give away toys like Legos that kids love – and that brick of an idea grew into Lily’s Toy Box, a nonprofit organization that provides new toys to kids who could use a smile. 

What started as a toy collection for kids affected by Harvey has turned into something much bigger than Lily or her parents ever expected. Over the last two-plus years since Harvey, Lily’s Toy Box has given approximately 5,000 toys to kids who could use a lift for all sorts of reasons. 

“We collect toys for kids who are sick or whose parents can’t afford to buy toys,” says 10-year-old Lily. “Even for special days like Christmas or birthdays, some parents just don’t have the money.” 

Lily, a fifth grader at The Grace School, continues. “Other kids are in abusive homes and they have to leave quickly and can’t bring any of their toys, so we can help them too.” 

Toys can be applied for on Lily’s Toy Box's website. The child’s name and basic information is submitted, as well as his or her interests. Lily then takes this information and goes “shopping” in her stash of collected toys to pick out the perfect gift for the child. The gift is then wrapped and sent directly to the child by Lily and her parents. 

Lily and her parents, James and Jessica DuBose, at a Lily's Toy Box event at FamilyPoint Resources.

Lily was especially touched by the story of a young girl who lost her toys to a home fire. Athleta, American Girl and Lily’s Toy Box teamed up to give the sweet girl a new American Girl doll. Lily’s mom Jessica DuBose, who helps with Lily’s Toy Box, along with her father James, says, “We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received by businesses in our community.” According to Jessica, in addition, once a year, Lily’s Toy Box holds a “Toy Give Away” party and invites a bunch of well-deserving kiddos to pick out a toy themselves. 

As a way of helping families still struggling after Harvey, Lily’s Toy Box is teaming up with Facebook group Hurricane Moms Memorial and Project Memorial, a non-profit organization established in the Memorial area to help those affected by Harvey, for their upcoming Donuts with Santa event Dec.  14, which will include presents for the kids of these families who could use extra holiday cheer.  

Austin, Texas-based bakery and delivery chain Tiff’s Treats will be helping Lily’s Toy Box efforts in a big way at Tiff’s Treats CityCentre grand opening charity event on Dec. 7. From 9 a.m.-1 p.m., all cookie sales will go to Lily’s Toy Box. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated and receiving a $5 Tiff’s Treats gift card. In addition, random cookie boxes purchased will include gift cards and prizes. Plus, there will be a drawing for free cookies for a year.  

Lily’s Toy Box has caught the eyes, ears and hearts of so many local businesses who are helping Lily make kids’ toy wishes come true. Local stores in Houston are providing Lily’s Toy Box drop-off boxes this holiday season.  

What kinds of toys do kids want? Lily is a bit of an expert elf on the matter at this point. She says without hesitation, “Barbies, baby dolls, Hot Wheel cars, sport ball packs” are all kid favorites according to Lily. “And of course, Legos! Boxes of Legos for kids of all ages.” 

Monetary donations can be given via the link at Lily’s Toy Box’s website and Lily would be happy to make the toy purchases for you. 

You go, Lily. We love what you’re doing and are ready to help. (Right, Santas?)  

Drop-Off Boxes

Lily’s Toy Box drop-off boxes will be available at the following locations through Dec. 23. New, unwrapped toys, costing at least 10 dollars, are appreciated. 

• Athleta: 12850 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77024
• The Bar Method: 12850 Memorial Dr., Ste. 1135, Houston, TX 77024 
• Waxing the City: 14620 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079
• Calientes: 790 West Sam Houston Pkwy N, Ste. 112, Houston, TX 77024
• Learning Express Toys: 12850 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77024
• Bering’s Hardware: 6102 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX 77057
• BIRONS Gymnastics: 10225 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77024

Editor's Note: Author Julie Beasley wrote H is for Harvey, meant to be a keepsake for kids who were impacted by Harvey and to educate those who didn't experience Harvey's effects first-hand. The book's royalties are donated to the Astros Foundation and funds will be used for ongoing hurricane recovery efforts. Read more here.