Charlie

Introducing Charlie: An ambitious Toys for Tots Youth Ambassador bringing joy and purpose to her community. –– Charlie, a high school student from Region 7, Illinois, stands among Toys for Tots’ passionate Youth Ambassadors, and she’s already making a lasting impact.

Charlie first discovered the Youth Ambassador Program through a school email. Inspired by a desire to serve and be a well-rounded individual—something she saw modeled by her father’s involvement in the Lions Club—she seized the opportunity to get involved, serve others, and grow as a well-rounded individual.

As a Youth Ambassador, Charlie leads her local Chapter’s youth engagement efforts and has taken the helm of her local Toys for Tots Literacy Program. She also organizes book distributions and reading events. –– One of her favorite memories comes from when she was reading to a group of second and third graders at a local library. “When I closed the book and told them they could take it home, their faces just lit up. It was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” she gushed.

Charlie’s commitment and impact reach far beyond books and toys. She uses her exceptional networking skills to multiply her efforts. –– She initiated a partnership with her school’s STRIVE Program to include students with special needs in volunteer efforts. She arranged several opportunities for students in the STRIVE Program to sort toys and operate a coffee program that raised money for Toys for Tots.

A leader both in and out of the classroom, Charlie manages over a dozen extracurriculars while promoting Toys for Tots through social media, school newsletters, and personal networks. Her ability to connect with others and share the mission has become one of her most powerful tools.

Charlie is determined to remain involved even after her term as an Ambassador ends. “Once you start something, follow through with it,” she said. “It’s important to take initiative and help create a ripple effect of others wanting to do the same.”

With plans to become an Attorney and a lifelong volunteer, Charlie sees the Youth Ambassador Program as a foundational experience. “Youth leadership helps others want to be leaders too,” she said. “And we are the future—it starts with us.”

She’s also found personal growth through the Program, citing improved time management skills and the value of real-world, hands-on experiences that connected her with people she otherwise might never have met.

Charlie says that anyone considering applying to the Youth Ambassador Program should “100% do it!” She explains that the Program is unique because many other volunteer opportunities usually have a lengthy list of requirements and limitations, but Toys for Tots’ Youth Ambassador Program encourages youth to get involved and use their creativity to drive hope. “Within my campaign, I’m able to use whatever ideas I have, and that’s something that I think is important to young minds and volunteers who are constantly being deterred because it makes them not want to do it. So, I think this is a great Program to get more youths involved.”

Looking forward, Charlie hopes to inspire a new generation of youth leaders—genuine, committed volunteers who stay the course. She’s also already thinking about what’s next: mentoring future Youth Ambassadors and building a lasting legacy of good.

“I’ve learned that I’m not the only one who’s looking for good. I’ve always wanted to be a leader, but it’s important to realize that there’s other people out there who want to lead as well, so a big lesson I’ve learned is that if you take that step back to help others achieve their goals too, that can be something that’s really beneficial.”