ORLANDO, Fla. — For nearly two decades, volunteer Steve Weiser has spent his holiday season doing something special — making sure children with unique needs wake up to a joyful Christmas.

What You Need To Know

More than 2,000 families across Central Florida receive toys through Nathaniel’s Toy Shop each year
Steve Weiser has volunteered with Nathaniel’s Hope for 17 years, delivering joy and hope to children
The nonprofit was founded to honor Nathaniel Kuck, whose short life continues to inspire love and giving

Weiser is one of more than 350 volunteers at Nathaniel’s Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children with disabilities. Through the organization’s annual Nathaniel’s Toy Shop, thousands of families receive toys at no cost, ensuring that every child has a magical holiday.

“We started off just helping a handful of families throughout the Orlando area,” Weiser said. “And now it’s grown to helping over 2,000 families in Central Florida.”

Weiser has served with Nathaniel’s Hope for 17 years, helping move, sort, and deliver toys alongside the organization’s dedicated volunteer team.

“They serve children with special, unique needs and abilities,” he said. “One of the things that Nathaniel’s Hope does that stands out is that they deliver toys to families.”

He says the gratitude from parents — and the smiles from children — keeps him coming back every year.

“One of the wonderful things here is to see all the smiles on the children’s faces, and especially the parents,” Weiser shared. “The parents are always so thankful, so grateful that we have all of these toys for their children.”

Nathaniel’s Hope was founded more than 20 years ago by Tim and Marie Kuck, who built the organization in honor of their son, Nathaniel. Born with multiple disabilities, Nathaniel couldn’t walk or talk, but his short life inspired a lasting movement of compassion.

“Nathaniel’s Hope was birthed out of the life and death of our little boy named Nathaniel,” said Tim Kuck. “Matter of fact, my claim to fame in life is I’m Nathaniel’s dad.”

Nathaniel passed away at just 4 years old. Through their grief, his parents found a new purpose — supporting families facing the same challenges they once did.

“We began a journey after his death to walk into serving the community of families that have kids and adults with disabilities,” Kuck said.

More than two decades later, the Kucks — along with volunteers like Weiser — continue uplifting families through year-round programs and events.

“I love giving back to the community and really getting those smiles on children’s faces,” Weiser said. “Helping out those families that are in need during the holiday season — that means everything.”