ROOTED IN COMPASSION
Our Story, Our Purpose
Founded in 2020 by Mrs. Gloria and Ms. Carmen E., the organization was created in honor of a beloved family member whose legacy of compassion inspired a mission to give back to children and families in need. What began as a small act of kindness has grown into a meaningful annual initiative that continues to expand each year.
During the holiday season, the Soul 2 Sol Toy Drive provides two new, unwrapped toys to children throughout the San Diego community, in underserved communities, ensuring the belief that even the smallest act of kindness can create lasting change. Our work is grounded in compassion, cultural affirmation, and trauma-informed care, ensuring that every family we serve experiences warmth, belonging, and hope.
Through our annual toy drive, upcoming Back-to-School Initiative, and year-round acts of kindness, we create spaces where children feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
About Us
Soul 2 Sol is a community-rooted, child-centered organization dedicated to spreading joy, dignity, and emotional well-being to families in underserved communities across San Diego. We are more than a program, we are a movement fueled by compassion, community support, and the belief that every child deserves to shine. Since 2020, Soul 2 Sol has provided more than 1,300 toys to children throughout San Diego, ensuring that each child receives two new toys delivered with dignity, kindness, and love. During the holiday season, many families face heartbreaking decisions between paying rent or a mortgage, purchasing groceries, or providing gifts for their children. For many households, doing both simply is not possible.
Through our annual toy drives and community giveaways, we help bridge that gap. With the support of local businesses, friends, family, personal funds, volunteers, and generous donors, we work to ensure that children experience the joy and magic of the holiday season. The smiles, excitement, gratitude, and moments of relief shared by families remind us why this mission matters.
This year, our goal is to provide new toys to 300 children / 600 toys, across San Diego. With continued community support, we hope to reach even more families in need and continue spreading hope, joy, and compassion, one child at a time.
From Green Bags to a Dignified Holiday Shopping Experience
In our early years, Soul 2 Sol carefully prepared holiday gift bags for each family based on the ages and genders of their children. While families were grateful and every child received wonderful toys, we knew there was an opportunity to create an even more meaningful experience.
In 2023, we reimagined our toy distribution model. Rather than receiving pre-filled bags, parents and caregivers were invited to shop for their children from beautifully organized toy displays arranged by age and gender. Color-coordinated tables, community volunteers, and thoughtfully curated selections transformed the event into a holiday shopping experience designed with dignity, joy, and respect in mind.
Today, families walk through our toy distribution event much like a holiday store, selecting gifts that best fit their children's interests and needs. The smiles, excitement, and gratitude we witness each year remind us that we are doing more than distributing toys—we are creating meaningful experiences, strengthening families, and helping parents experience the joy of giving. This results in kindness in motion, community in action.
Why We Serve
At Soul 2 Sol, we believe that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and celebrated regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. We serve because too many families in our communities are forced to make impossible choices during the holiday season: paying rent, buying groceries, keeping the lights on, or providing gifts for their children. No parent should have to choose between basic necessities and creating joyful memories for their child.
We understand that a toy may seem small to some, but to a child, it can represent hope, love, belonging, and happiness. A simple gift can brighten a child’s spirit, restore a parent’s dignity, and remind families that their community cares. Our mission goes beyond toys — it is about restoring smiles, uplifting families, strengthening community connections, and creating moments of joy that children will remember for years to come.
We also recognize the importance of emotional well-being and community support. Many families face emotional, financial, and personal hardships silently. Through kindness, compassion, and collective giving, we aim to create safe, uplifting experiences where families feel supported rather than overlooked.
Soul 2 Sol was built on the belief that communities are strongest when we care for one another. Every donated toy, volunteer hour, partnership, and act of generosity helps us continue spreading hope, love, and joy throughout San Diego one child, one family, and one smile at a time.
~The Soul 2 Sol Family~
The Vision
English
To strengthen communities where children are valued, supported, and surrounded by opportunities to experience the joy and wonder of childhood.
Español
Fortalecer comunidades donde los niños sean valorados, apoyados y rodeados de oportunidades para experimentar la alegría y el asombro de la infancia.
Our Mission – Nuestra Misión
Our Mission – English
Our mission is to bring hope and joy to children in communities with limited resources by providing new toys, essential school supplies, and compassionate community support, while inspiring others to give and serve.
Misión – Español
Nuestra misión es llevar esperanza y alegría a los niños en comunidades con recursos limitados, proporcionando juguetes nuevos, recursos escolares esenciales y un apoyo comunitario compasivo, mientras inspiramos a otros a dar y servir.
Soul 5 Squad — Meet the Heroes of Kindness
We are thrilled to announce the official launch of Soul 5 Squad on YouTube, where Buddy Bear’s friends come to life through stories of kindness, courage, and emotional wellness. Join Carla, Mateo, Phallon, Adina, and Amir as they explore friendship, feelings, and fun in every episode. Each adventure celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the power of empathy, and helping children see themselves as heroes of heart and hope.
The characters represent a unique strength, creativity, courage, empathy, resilience, and joy. Together, they help children explore emotional wellness in a fun, and relatable way. From Mateo’s bravery to Phallon’s creativity, and Carla’s leadership, Soul 5 Squad shows kids that their inner strengths are powerful and worth celebrating.
https://www.youtube.com/@soul5squad
Welcome to 9: Next Level Impact – Back-to-School Initiative
At Soul 2 Sol Annual Toy Drive, Inc., we are committed to creating meaningful, lasting change in the communities we serve. Our 9: Next Level Impact initiative represents the evolution of our mission, moving beyond seasonal support to provide year-round programs that empower youth, strengthen families, and inspire community growth.
Through initiatives like our upcoming Back-to-School program, mentorship opportunities, and community partnerships, we aim to equip students and families with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. Every action we take is designed to foster educational readiness, personal growth, and sustainable community impact.
Explore our programs to learn how we’re making a difference, and discover opportunities to join us in elevating potential — one child, one family, and one community at a time.
Responding to Need • Strengthening Families • Creating Sustainable Change
Classroom Participation
Students equipped with the right supplies engage more actively in their learning environment.
Attendance & Engagement
Consistent attendance improves when students feel prepared and confident for every school day.
Social Integration with Peers
Access to basic materials helps children participate fully in group activities and peer collaboration.
Emotional Well-Being
Children who feel supported experience greater confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.
The Need
At Soul 2 Sol Annual Toy Drive, Inc., our 9: Next Level Impact initiative reflects our strategic expansion into services that address the evolving needs of children and families in our community. While the holiday season brings critical support, the challenges facing underserved families extend far beyond one time of year. Our commitment is to meet those needs with structure, intention, and measurable impact.
Across many communities, families face increasing financial strain due to rising housing costs, inflation, and limited access to essential resources. For many parents, preparing children for the school year creates an additional financial burden that can impact household stability. Students without adequate school supplies often begin the academic year at a disadvantage. When families must choose between paying rent, utilities, or purchasing school supplies, educational readiness can at times suffer. The Back-to-School Initiative was developed to help bridge that gap.
Projected Back-to-School Event
The Back-to-School Initiative will serve as a community-centered distribution event designed to provide students with backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies and essential items.
Event Goals
- Distribute backpacks and school supplies to underserved students
- Partner with local schools and community organizations for referrals
- Engage corporate sponsors and volunteers in meaningful service
- Provide a welcoming, family-focused atmosphere that promotes dignity and encouragement
Event Structure
- Pre-registration through partner organizations (to ensure equitable distribution)
- On-site volunteer support
- Sponsor recognition opportunities
- Photo and impact documentation for reporting and future grant positioning
Beyond distribution, the event will serve as a community-building experience, reinforcing that families are supported not just during the holidays, but throughout the academic year.
Looking Ahead
9: Next Level Impact represents our evolution into a structured, multi-initiative nonprofit organization. By combining strategic partnerships, community engagement, and data-informed planning, we are building a framework for long-term, measurable impact. Together, we are not simply giving — we are investing in futures.
Join the Movement
“IF you want to lift yourself up lift up someone else”
~ Booker T. Washington ~
Be Part of Something Greater
9: Next Level Impact is built on community, compassion, and the courage to invest in futures. Whether you give, serve, or spread the word, your support makes a difference for children and families across San Diego.