(Gary, IND) — As the holiday season approaches, two young Gary women who turned personal tragedy into community purpose are joining forces to bring joy to hundreds of local children. Aaliyah Stewart and Leah Lewis, both 25, will co-host the 8th Annual Holiday Toy Drive on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, located at 3401 West Fifth Avenue in Gary.
The event, scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., is expected to distribute approximately 2,000 toys to children in the community. In addition to the toy giveaway, families attending the event will be able to enjoy dinner with Santa Claus, along with free haircuts and hairstyles for children.
Stewart and Lewis are founders and leaders of separate nonprofit organizations that were created in response to the loss of close family members to gun violence. Through their work, both women have focused on uplifting youth and families while advocating for healing and hope in neighborhoods impacted by violence.
Stewart leads the I Am Them Foundation, which grew out of her personal experiences with loss at a young age. She began her advocacy work at 15 after losing two brothers to gun violence—one at the age of 7 and another at 14.
“I founded the ASW Foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of gun violence,” Stewart said. “I lost one brother at age 7 and another at 14. Both were senseless killings, and I vowed that through my work, I would never let their memories die.”
Lewis assumed leadership of the Ray Lewis Foundation earlier this year. Her work also stems from personal loss after her brother was killed in 2015.
“My work in the community started from a personal place,” Lewis said. “Since losing my brother in 2015, everything I do is in honor of him. Helping other families gives me a sense of purpose and keeps his memory alive.”
Together, the two women say collaboration has allowed them to expand their reach and provide more comprehensive support to families, particularly during the holidays, which can be an especially difficult time for those dealing with grief and financial hardship.
The holiday toy drive has become an annual tradition, offering not only gifts, but also a welcoming space where families can gather, children can feel celebrated, and the broader community can experience a sense of togetherness. Organizers say the event is designed to ease some of the burdens families face during the holiday season while creating positive memories for children.
“My mother always made sure I had a good Christmas, even though I was sad about the absence of my brothers,” Stewart said. “Many of our youth are going through their own personal tragedies, so we hope that our toy drive will bring them some joy that makes them forget their pain if only for a little while.”
In preparation for the event, Stewart and Lewis are seeking toy donations and sponsorships to help meet the anticipated demand and ensure that every child who attends receives a toy, a meal, and access to free grooming services.
Community members, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting the toy drive through donations or sponsorships are encouraged to contact Aaliyah Stewart at 219-238-9996. Email inquiries can also be directed to [email protected].
Organizers encourage families to arrive early, as toys and services will be available while supplies last. The event is open to the public and intended to serve children and families from across Gary.
With just days remaining before Christmas, Stewart and Lewis say their goal is simple: to bring light, generosity, and a sense of care to children who deserve to feel valued during the holiday season.