Singer Nikita La Rose's journey into parenthood merged with her desire to help struggling families during the holiday season has spawned a new fundraiser in 91原创 called From Your Heart Christmas Toy Drive.

Working in partnership with Frankie La Sasso, founder of the 91原创-based Punch Out Parkinson鈥檚 wellness centre and Box2Fit gym, they're hosting this inaugural charity event at the end of the month.

The indoor holiday festivities will feature a live Christmas sing-along with La Rose (Sing with Kita), as well as facepainting, and photos with "a special guest in a red suit 鈥� Santa himself," she noted.

"Enjoy festive music, photo ops with Santa, and more," La Rose (nee Graham) said. And all that organizers ask in return is that guests bring a new unwrapped toy or non-perishables.

All donations go to Options Community Services 鈥� an organization helping local families and individuals in need in 91原创, Surrey, White Rock, and Delta for more than 50 years, she explained.

"This cause is especially close to my heart. I lost one of my best friends in my early 20s to domestic abuse, and knowing that Options helps individuals in similar situations is one of the reasons I chose to partner with them. Another dear friend of mine, a young mother, was once supported by this organization in ways that transformed her life. Their work truly changes lives, and I鈥檓 honoured to help them bring joy and hope to families this holiday season," said La Rose.

"I鈥檝e seen countless families struggle, asking for essentials like food, diapers, and clothing. With Christmas approaching, I imagined the heartbreak of parents unable to provide a magical holiday for their children. I knew I had to do more," she added, speaking more to her motivations behind creating this music-based fundraiser.

"I'm a professional singer in my 30s who spent years performing on big stages with various cover bands. Before that, I was also into acting, modelling, photography, and event planning 鈥� all things creative and artistic have always been my passion," she explained.

"However, my life changed in the most beautiful way when I had my two precious children in the last two and a half years. Parenthood inspired me to take a step back from my traditional music career and venture into something new and deeply meaningful," La Rose described.

After the birth of her son, she began writing little songs to entertain him.

"What started as a fun, creative outlet turned into something magical. As I played these songs for family and friends during camping trips and gatherings, I received such positive feedback that I realized I had stumbled onto something greater. This inspired me to pursue a new path as a children's performer," she said.

"The transition has been seamless because the inspiration comes directly from my own babies and their experiences. It鈥檚 deeply personal, filled with love, and incredibly rewarding, knowing that I am leaving them something just for them."

She's currently recording her first children鈥檚 album that will be coming out in the next few months.

"Amidst this journey, I felt compelled to write a special Christmas song for my children. It鈥檚 a heartfelt lesson about the true spirit of the season caring, sharing, and helping those in need. The song, 'From Your Heart,' reminds us that while gifts bring joy, the real magic lies in giving to others," said La Rose.

So, this song sparked an even bigger idea, leading to the creation of the From Your Heart Christmas Toy Drive, an event she said was also inspired by her childhood tradition of sponsoring families in need during the holidays.

"This year, I wanted to go beyond what we usually do and involve the community on a larger scale."

The inaugural From Your Heart Christmas Toy Drive is happening on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Punch Out wellness centre at 20560 91原创 Bypass.

"We hope this event will bring families together to teach our children the importance of giving back. As one of the lines from my song goes, 'It鈥檚 more than the presents, the wrapping, the bows 鈥� it鈥檚 helping out our neighbours, the ones we don鈥檛 know',鈥� she said.

"This is our first annual toy drive, and we鈥檙e excited to make it a memorable one鈥� Let鈥檚 come together as a community to make the holidays brighter for those who need it most."