Entertainment

Lilley Relaunches Toy Drive, Aiming for 20,000 Gifts with $30,000 Boost from Shawn Ryan

By TOI World Desk

Actress Jen Lilley, a mother of five, is reviving her Christmas Is Not Cancelled toy drive, which she began during the COVID‑19 pandemic to help children who might otherwise go without gifts on Christmas morning. The renewed campaign, which launched on November 1 and will run through December 13, aims to provide 20,000 presents for children in need. It is supported by a $30,000 donation from podcaster Shawn Ryan, earmarked for bikes and scooters, items Lilley says are often the hardest to source.

Lilley started the drive after telling a friend that Christmas should not be cancelled. She realized that many families might experience a quiet morning without gifts. The original goal was 10,000 presents, and the drive grew steadily over 2021‑2023, eventually distributing around 25,000 toys and books each Christmas. The campaign paused for two years before being relaunched.

This year, the program has become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making donations tax‑deductible. The drive partners with Toys for Tots, and parents can choose the gifts themselves, allowing them to maintain dignity while ensuring their children receive presents. Lilley said, "No parent wants to tell their child they couldn’t afford Christmas," and expressed excitement about the revival, calling it her own Christmas miracle.

Shawn Ryan, who previously spoke with Lilley about foster care, has committed $30,000 toward bikes and scooters, saying he wants to give children the gift of a bike with their name on it. The campaign continues to rely on contributions from donors, many of whom give small amounts that collectively add up to thousands of gifts.