The MoCoShow is teaming up with local community leader Marquis Evans to help support families in need this holiday season through the return of the Stuff the Ambulance Toy Drive, taking place Saturday from 11:00am to 4:00om at Summer House Santa Monica at Pike & Rose.
Evans, a Montgomery County native and local real estate professional, originally launched a Fill-the-Ambulance toy drive nearly an decade ago. After years of continued charitable work, he decided to revive the initiative at a time when many families across the region are facing job loss, financial strain, and uncertainty.
“Toys are more than gifts, they’re tools,” Evans said. “They bring smiles, joy, and relief, not just to kids but to parents who may be struggling this year. If we can ease that stress even a little, then we’re doing what a community is supposed to do.”
The goal of the event is to literally fill a Montgomery County fire ambulance with new toys, and, if possible, fill it multiple times. Community members are encouraged to donate new toys, books, clothing, and gift cards, all of which will benefit the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF), a nonprofit that operates an on-site orphanage and supports families throughout the DMV.
Those unable to attend in person can still support the effort by scanning the QR code on the event flyer, allowing for digital donations that will be used to purchase toys for families in need.
The toy drive is made possible through partnerships with the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, Summer House Santa Monica, The MoCoShow, and NCCF. Special thanks go to the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department for supporting the logistics of the event, and to Erich Stump and Grace Gower of Summer House Santa Monica for hosting the drive and providing free cookies to everyone who donates a toy.
At the heart of Evans’ community work is the influence of his mother, who adopted several children while he was growing up and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to helping others. For more than 11 years, Evans has been deeply involved in charitable efforts, helping feed more than 70,000 people alongside longtime partner Curtis Cross, with additional support from the Mech Sisters’ Foundation. He also credits his wife, family, sister, and in-laws for their continued support of the mission.
The event is free and open to the public, with donations accepted from 11:00am to 4:00pm. A Montgomery County fire ambulance will be on site to collect toys.
