He Got One Toy For Christmas As A Child — Now He’s Giving Hundreds Away

December 19, 2025

A simple childhood gift from decades ago is now bringing joy to hundreds of children this holiday season in Texas.

the United Samaritan Services of Vernon

In Vernon, the United Samaritan Services of Vernon (USSV) recently hosted its annual Toy Drive, an event designed to make Christmas a little brighter for families in need. Now in its second year, the toy drive welcomed children to meet Santa and the Grinch, choose from more than 400 toys, and pick either a cozy blanket or a stuffed animal to take home.

The heart behind the event traces back to the 1980s and a moment that left a lasting mark on one little boy. At just two years old, he received a single Christmas present—a plush dog from the Salvation Army. He named the toy Rambo, and it quickly became his constant companion.

At the time, his single mother was doing everything she could to make ends meet, leaving little room for holiday gifts. That one small act of kindness meant everything. Decades later, the toy is still by his side.

That child grew up to become Geoff Stewart, the organizer of the USSV Toy Drive.

Stewart says his experience taught him how powerful even one gift can be. He still remembers how much that toy meant to him and hopes to create similar memories for today’s children.

"This is the only toy I got that year for Christmas. I'm 42 years old and I still got him. He went everywhere with me and he was my best friend. It can change a lot for a kid - one gift. And it don't have to be much. It was a used stuffed animal that I got."

The toy drive, held this week, was a huge success, with families lining up before the doors even opened.

Geoff Stewart with Rambo / The line waiting

 Afterward, the nonprofit shared its gratitude online, thanking the donors and volunteers who helped make the day possible.

For Stewart, being able to give back all these years later is deeply meaningful.

“Seeing the brightness in their eyes when they pick out a toy — and knowing that if even 100 of the 300 kids who come through find their own ‘Rambo,’ then I’ve done something,” he said.