STEM Gift Drive Update

October 2026

Charles Bales and Madelyn Kim: Young authors donate books to the STEM Gift Drive

2026 Goal: 1,000 Gifts!

We're looking forward to seeing you out in the community! On our schedule already this fall are VegFest, a Pride Chamber event, a volunteer fair, and holiday parties.

Looking for us? Use our Event Page.

Whether we bring just a table or the whole outdoor tent set-up, we love opportunities to share our message.

Do you know of a holiday party or an event where we may be a good fit?

Send us suggestions to STEMGiftDrive@gmail.com.

Orbiting Objects

High school students Charles Bales and Madelyn Kim turned their curiosity about space into a book, Orbiting Objects, to inspire future innovators—and are sharing that curiosity by donating copies to the STEM Gift Drive ... and beyond.

Young people inspiring future innovators - that's a story that can inspire all of us.

Read their story ...

Volunteer with the STEM Gift Drive

From Tee's heart...

Volunteering has many, many, many benefits. One of them is getting a front-row seat to the good stuff of this world.

The good in people. The good things happening in our communities. The quiet generosity, creativity, and kindness. Good things you never expected to encounter, but are happening around us every. single. moment.

That's a powerful foundation for hope, even on days when hope is hard to come by and the good is hard to see.

Charles & Madelyn's story is one of those uplifting moments for me. Two high school students turned their curiosity into a book, then chose to share - donate - what they created with other young people.

I'm grateful that volunteering with the STEM Gift Drive creates opportunities to walk with stories like this. The good in this world is much closer than it may appear.

Explore Opportunities

Ways To Volunteer With Us

Host a STEM collection with your business, organization, neighborhood, or group
Join our coordinating committee and help with donor and host recruitment, events, logistics, and marketing
Volunteer at a STEM Gift Drive event

Not sure where you fit? Reach out. We’d be happy to help you find a way to get involved: STEMGiftDrive@gmail.com or 407-608-9242.

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Some of What We're Celebrating in October

10/2 Energy Efficiency Day
10/4 World Space Week
10/5 World AI Week
10/5 World Habitat Day
10/5 Nobel Prize Week
10/8 Ada Lovelace Day
10/9 National Nano Day
10/10 Metric Day
10/12 Earth Science Week
10/17 International Archeology Day
10/19 National Chemistry Week
10/19 Nuclear Science Week
10/20 World CRISPR Day
10/21 National Fossil Day
10/21 Back To The Future Day
10/23 Mole Day
10/31 Dark Matter Day

Find more STEM observances on the NISE Network

Is there a special day in November you want to suggest? Email us!

Volunteering Matters.

We were grateful to be part of the Orange County Office on Aging Volunteer Fair, meeting wonderful volunteers and partner agencies.

Read our news story...

Turn your workplace, business, organization, or community into a collection point for future innovators!

Becoming a STEM Gift Drive Collection Host is an easy way to bring people together around a meaningful cause.

Simply sign up, set out and decorate your collection box, and invite others to donate STEM toys, games, and books.

Help us grow the impact of the 2026 STEM Gift Drive.

STEMGiftDrive.org | 407-608-9242

STEM Gift Drive Update

2026 Goal: 1,000 Gifts!

Volunteer with the STEM G﻿ift Drive

Volunteering Matters.

Volunteer with the STEM Gift Drive