Kasey Anderson and Jamie Salas expand community effort with carnival, stocking station, and local support
Building on last year’s impact
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A community-driven effort that began with a simple idea of providing gifts to families in need has grown into one of Huntsville’s most ambitious holiday projects. Local business leaders Kasey Anderson, known online as That Pallet Chick, and Jamie Salas of Osprey Storage are preparing to distribute toys and holiday cheer to more than 1,000 children this Christmas.
Last year, the duo organized a toy drive that provided presents for 360 children. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, they decided to expand the effort. “We gave 360 kids gifts,” Salas said. “And so this year we’re looking at doing over a thousand.”
Pallets turned into presents
Anderson plays a key role by using her pallet business to supply the drive. She purchases bulk pallets of returned and unclaimed items from major retailers such as Target, Amazon, CVS and USPS. The pallets, which are filled with toys and household goods, are sorted so that toys go directly into storage for the drive.
“I get them from Target, Amazon, USPS, CVS, unclaimed mail,” Anderson said.
Items not used for the toy drive are sold through her Facebook page and weekend yard sales, with profits used to purchase more pallets. This cycle allows the project to stretch every sponsorship dollar.
Expanding into a holiday carnival
This year, the toy distribution will include more than just gifts. Families will be invited to a mini carnival on the grounds of Osprey Storage. Local businesses and volunteers are contributing to make the event special.
Bounce Blast will provide two bounce houses, while Party Painter Co. will offer face painting. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos. Families will also receive stockings, but instead of pre-stuffed bags, children will have the opportunity to fill their own from a variety of toys and goodies available.
“We’re actually just going to get the stockings and then we’re going to put tables out where kids can stuff their own stocking with the toys or items that they want for themselves,” Salas said.
Children will also be able to choose either one large gift or three small gifts, guided by volunteer college students.
Community partnerships
Several community organizations have already joined the effort. American Legion Post 95 will host its own toy drive to support the event. Local apartment complexes, including The Heights, have agreed to participate as well.
“We’ve partnered with the Connection, the Heights, and Republic,” Salas said. “They’re also going to help us out to get to more toys.”
Christ the King Church, located across the street from Osprey Storage, has agreed to provide additional parking to ease congestion.
Registration for families
Families interested in participating must meet a few guidelines. Children must live in Walker County, reside with the parent or guardian registering them, and be present at pickup. Registration will open in mid-October and will be available on the Osprey Storage website, in the Huntsville Mommy Buy, Sell, Talk Facebook group, and other community channels.
“Our form will be available probably mid-October,” Salas said. “It will be on the Osprey Storage website. We’ll have a link and a QR code. We’ll have it on the Mommy Group. We’ll be sharing it on Huntsville Uncensored, the good, the bad, the ugly.”
Ways to support
In addition to donating toys or sponsoring pallets, community members can help by volunteering at the carnival, providing services, or even buying items from Anderson’s live Facebook sales. She often hosts auctions where items are sold for just a few dollars, and some proceeds go directly back into the toy drive.
“All of her stuff is super reasonably priced,” Salas said. “People are always saying, ‘Oh, you should sell it for more.’ But the whole idea is to make the money to cover the cost of the pallet and to buy another one.”
Anderson also helps families beyond Christmas. During her Facebook Live sales, she frequently gives away birthday decorations, balloons and toys to parents who may be struggling to celebrate their child’s special day. “If anybody has a need and you are like, ‘I don’t have anything for my kids’ birthday,’ contact me,” Anderson said. “I’ve got balloons. I’ve got party decorations. I can even give your kid a toy. If we can spare an extra toy, just contact me. I’m here to help.”
A growing tradition
Salas said the project began shortly after she started working at Osprey Storage. The facility’s ownership, based in Las Vegas, has supported her in using the site to benefit the Huntsville community. She has also built connections through the Huntsville, Texas Mommy Buy, Sell, Talk group, where she saw firsthand how many families were searching for help.
“What else can we do? How else can we reach out?” Salas recalled asking after her first event last year. “There are a few places that help, but there’s a huge need in Walker County.”
Despite the long hours and challenges of organizing such a large effort, she and Anderson decided the work was worth continuing. “There’s just such a large need,” Salas said.
Looking ahead
With the toy drive expanding, Anderson and Salas believe the community’s generosity will once again rise to the occasion. They credit local businesses, volunteers and families for making the project possible.
“We’re always looking for new ideas or new ways to give,” Salas said. “Don’t forget to support your local businesses because they’re the ones that make this possible for Huntsville.”
Follow the event on Facebook, set for Friday, December 5, 2025
https://www.facebook.com/events/1118942230259678
