Coral Springs Clippers and Charter Baseball join forces with CSPD to collect more than 200 toys for local families during holiday drive
Coral Springs, Florida – A holiday toy drive led by the Coral Springs Clippers Baseball travel organization, the Coral Springs Police Department, and the Coral Springs Charter School baseball team brought together athletes, officers, and families with a shared goal of giving back. Through their combined efforts, the group collected an estimated 200-plus toys to help brighten the holiday season for children and families across the Coral Springs community.
The event was marked by strong participation from young athletes who volunteered their time alongside Coral Springs police officers. Players from both the Clippers and the Coral Springs Charter baseball program helped gather donations, organize gifts, and ensure that toys were delivered to children in need. The turnout reflected not only generosity, but also a growing tradition of teamwork between local sports organizations and law enforcement.
According to the Clippers organization, the partnership with the Coral Springs Police Department has been building for several years. What began as a simple awareness effort has grown into an annual collaboration rooted in shared community values.
“The partnership began approximately four years ago when the Coral Springs Clippers became aware of a Coral Springs Police Department flyer promoting the Toys for Tots initiative,” the Nelly Gibilterram Clippers’ Director of Field Operations said.
That initial discovery sparked a conversation that would shape the Clippers’ approach to community service. With the holidays approaching and a desire to make a meaningful impact, the organization saw an opportunity to support families while teaching young players the importance of giving back.
“Recognizing an opportunity to give back to the community, we reached out to the Coral Springs Police Department to explore how our players could get involved and support the effort. The department welcomed the Clippers with open arms, and from that initial outreach, a strong and ongoing partnership was formed.”
This year’s toy drive brought that partnership to life once again. Players worked side by side with officers, collecting toys and interacting with community members who stopped by to donate. The presence of local law enforcement added a sense of unity and trust, reinforcing the idea that the event was about more than gifts, it was about connection.
The Coral Springs Clippers organization currently fields nine teams, representing approximately 106 players and supported by 20 coaches. Leadership within the organization played a key role in encouraging widespread participation, ensuring the toy drive extended beyond the field and into players’ homes.
“President Don Geiger and vice president Jason Gibilterra encouraged all players, along with their parents and families, to actively participate in the event by collecting donations and bringing them to the event that evening, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to community involvement and service,” the organization said.
Parents and families responded by helping gather toys and supporting players throughout the drive. The involvement of entire households helped expand the reach of the effort, turning the toy drive into a community-wide activity rather than a single-day event.
The Coral Springs Charter School baseball team also played an important role, contributing time and effort to ensure the drive was a success. Their participation highlighted how school-based and travel teams can work together for a shared cause, setting an example for student-athletes across the city.
While organizers did not conduct an official count, estimates suggest that well over 200 toys were collected. The donations included a wide variety of items intended to bring joy to children of different ages during the holiday season.
For the Clippers, the success of this year’s drive reflects a long-term commitment rather than a one-time effort. The organization views the toy drive as a tradition that continues to grow with each passing year.
“This marked our fourth year hosting the toy drive,” the Clippers said. “We are already looking forward to the fifth annual Coral Springs Clippers Toys for Tots collaboration with the Coral Springs Police Department next year.”
Beyond the number of toys collected, organizers emphasized the deeper value of the event. By involving young athletes directly in the process, the drive helped teach lessons about service, empathy, and responsibility. Players were able to see firsthand how their actions could positively impact others in their own community.
The collaboration also strengthened relationships between local youth and law enforcement, offering a positive and approachable setting for interaction. For many families, seeing officers and athletes working together reinforced a sense of unity during the holiday season.
As the toys make their way to children in need, the Clippers, Charter baseball team, and Coral Springs Police Department say the real success lies in the shared spirit of giving. With plans already in place for next year, the annual toy drive is expected to remain a cornerstone of holiday outreach in Coral Springs for years to come.
