By: Jewel Dickerman
The Zipper Junction Project is more than just a community initiative; it is a living, breathing testament to what can happen when people come together with a shared purpose. At its heart is The Holiday Toy Drive, a program that sparks joy and ensures that the magic of the holiday season reaches every corner of Wayne and Pike Counties. But this isn’t merely about toys—it’s about connection, community, and the belief that together, we can create something extraordinary.
The Vision of Zipper Junction
The Zipper Junction Project was conceived and founded in 2014 by Mr. Jim Zumpone, a local business owner and a visionary leader with a passion for building strong, engaged communities. His dream was to create a sustainable space where creativity and passion ignite careers, fostering a community of empowered individuals. While the long-term vision involves creating a self-sustaining town blending technical education and economic vitality, its immediate impact has been felt through programs like The Holiday Toy Drive.
The Birth of the Toy Drive
In 2017, Mr. Zumpone was approached by a community member asking if he could store toys. That simple request sparked the idea for The Holiday Toy Drive. What began as a response to the absence of the Toys for Tots program in Wayne and Pike counties soon grew into a large-scale, locally driven initiative. With the support of volunteers, businesses, and community members, Zumpone’s Zipper Junction created a program that distributed gifts to hundreds of children in its initial year.
Unlike traditional donation programs, The Holiday Toy Drive offers parents the unique opportunity to “shop” for their children in a specially designed toy store. This thoughtful approach preserves dignity and creates a meaningful, personal experience for families in need.
The Wallenpaupack Connection
The partnership between Zipper Junction and the Wallenpaupack Area School District (WASD) is a shining example of community collaboration. WASD’s involvement goes far beyond collecting toys; it actively engages students, faculty, and administrators in the spirit of giving.
From district-wide dress-down days that raised nearly $1,000 to student council initiatives targeting infant and toddler gifts, every effort counts. Students from CTE childcare classes and education pathways took part in inspecting, sorting, and organizing donations, while decorating the gym to create a festive holiday atmosphere. Through guided discussions led by Dr. Dougherty and others, students reflected on what it means to contribute to a community and brainstormed ways to improve future toy drives.
In recent years, the WASD Hawley Center gymnasium has served as the hub for toy distribution, hosting a two-day event where families select gifts for their children. The district’s continued support has been invaluable in making the program a success.
A Community Effort
The scale of this operation is a testament to the collective power of community. Hundreds of volunteers and donors contribute to the drive each year, with businesses hosting events, collection boxes scattered across Wayne and Pike counties, and local organizations rallying to gather toys and gifts. In 2024, nearly 70 volunteers dedicated their time to make the program a reality, with 30-35 people working on-site during the distribution weekend.
Wayne and Pike County residents benefit directly, with applications ensuring that gifts reach families who need them most. Parents and guardians walk into a winter wonderland, where shelves are lined with carefully selected toys—each item a symbol of hope, kindness, and love.
Beyond Toys: A Legacy of Hope
The Holiday Toy Drive isn’t just about the holidays—it’s about creating a legacy of giving and engagement. Mr. Zumpone’s broader vision for Zipper Junction continues to inspire, as the project works toward building a space where technical education, creativity, and community support intersect. Through initiatives like this, Zipper Junction uplifts everyone involved, from the families receiving gifts to the students learning the power of service.
The Heartfelt Impact
One cannot help but be moved by the generosity and commitment of everyone involved. Whether it’s the students carefully sorting toys, the volunteers setting up, or the donors contributing a cherished gift, each action contributes to something far greater than the sum of its parts. The Holiday Toy Drive is more than an event; it is a testament to what happens when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
Thanks to Mr. Jim Zumpone’s leadership and vision, The Zipper Junction Project has created ripples of hope and joy that touch countless lives. In every child’s smile on Christmas morning, in every parent’s tear of gratitude, the spirit of Zipper Junction shines brightly—a reminder that through kindness and collaboration, we can make the world a little brighter for everyone.
