Freddy Vasquez Brings Joy to Berks County Youth

The Awesome Toy Drive: Bringing Joy to Berks County Youth

In the heart of Berks County, a remarkable individual has been using his talents and passion for giving back to create something extraordinary. Freddy Vasquez, the founder of FXV Digital Design, has taken his love for Christmas and his community to establish “The Awesome Toy Drive,” an initiative to collect toys for underprivileged youth during the holiday season.

Vasquez’s journey to becoming a light for needy children is as unique as it is inspiring. Originally hailing from New York, he ventured into marketing by promoting his band during the ’90s and early 2000s. His marketing skills flourished in the music industry, and eventually, he decided to use that expertise to build his own successful business, FXV Digital Design. In 2009, Vasquez moved to Wyomissing, where he discovered a profound passion for giving back to his newfound community.

“I’ve been very blessed in my life and the only way I know how to thank the universe for giving me so much is by giving even more back, and when it comes to children, I’m all in. My goal is to collect for thousands of children in the years to come and beyond my time here on Earth,” said Vasquez.

The Awesome Toy Drive collects toys for several local organizations in Berks County, including the Children’s Home of Reading, Concern for Kids, Olivet Boys & Girls Club and Opportunity House. Vasquez’s desire to give back to the community that had welcomed him and his deep affection for needy children made the initiative a natural choice.

The drive’s growth has been impressive, with 32 locations participating in the collection efforts last year. Vasquez’s approach is simple yet effective: he invites small businesses to host a tree adorned with gift ornaments at their premises. Employees and customers can choose one or more tags from the tree, each representing a child’s wish for a holiday gift.

The collected gifts are then gathered and delivered to the designated charities. One of the most beautiful aspects of The Awesome Toy Drive is its inclusivity. Vasquez invites everyone to join in the endeavor. Whether you’re an individual looking to make a difference, or a business interested in participating, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteers are needed to drop off trees and ornaments and to assist in collecting donated toys at the end of the drive.

“The best way to help is by grabbing an ornament and purchasing a gift. But if you can’t, then PLEASE SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA! The more people that know about the drive,the better our chances are at filling every request by the children in need,” said Vasquez.

The best thing about the drive is that everyone can contribute in some way, whether by purchasing a gift or simply spreading the word on social media. Vasquez emphasizes that, “The more people that learn about the toy drive, the greater the likelihood of fulfilling every request made by needy children. It’s all about building a sense of community and shared responsibility for the well-being of those less fortunate.”

For details on how you can make magic for children in need this Christmas Season, contact Vasquez at (484) 509-4285 or visit awesometoydrive.com.

– Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Quarterly Fall 2023