From Autism Support to Justice Prevention: This Boston Gift Drive Matters
Some stories just don’t leave you.
On November 18, just nine days ago, I met Danny Santana at a Greater Ashmont Main Street networking breakfast — he's a Boston community leader, and the founder of ITY (Inspiring Today’s Young Adults). Within five minutes of hearing what he and his team are doing… I knew I had to help.
ITY’s mission is big:
They support at-risk youth, justice-involved individuals, and families navigating deep systemic challenges — from autism support to housing insecurity to re-entry after incarceration.
But their work is also incredibly personal.
This holiday season, Danny and his team aren’t just giving out gifts. They’re holding up families who are often forgotten.
Two events. One powerful mission
🎁 On December 19, 2025, ITY will host a holiday gift giveaway for 500 local families — providing toys, clothes, and essentials for kids in need.
🧩 And just five days earlier, on December 14, 2025 they’ll hold a fundraiser centered around one of the most disproportionately impacted groups they serve: children on the autism spectrum.
Here's why this matters:
Of the 500 families receiving gifts on December 19, Danny's partner Rene Sirios told me that 180 of those families include a child with autism. These kids are not just managing sensory challenges and IEPs — they are also at higher risk of becoming justice-involved due to systemic failures in education, support, and diagnosis.
ITY’s work draws a clear and urgent connection:
When we support neurodivergent children early and consistently, we help prevent future justice system involvement. We invest in their futures — and in the health of our entire community.
The funds raised this season will help ensure that all 500 families — not just the 180 — receive what they need. Because in ITY’s world, nobody gets left out.
Why This Matters To Me
As a photographer, I’ve spent 20+ years documenting the joy and chaos of family life. I’ve seen the light in children’s eyes, the love in every messy, real-life moment.
And as a parent, I know how deeply we all want the same thing:
For our kids to be seen. Supported. Celebrated.
That’s exactly what ITY is doing.
They’re wrapping gifts, yes — but more importantly, they’re wrapping kids in community. They’re saying: You matter. We see you. You belong.
How You Can Help
Donate to ITY’s fundraiser — Every dollar goes directly toward making the December 19 gift event happen for 500 children. From clothing and toys to essentials that bring dignity and joy, your support ensures every family on Danny spreadsheet gets what they need.
Share this reel — I filmed a 3 minute video with Danny and Rene outside the Ashmont MBTA station earlier this week. It's quick, heartfelt, and powerful — and a great way to help spread the word. Let's get them some press at their events! You can find it on my Instagram here.
Watch the full interview — Want the full picture of the work they do? Watch our 15-minute conversation that I put up on YouTube here — it goes deep into how their gift drive, autism advocacy, and justice prevention work all connect. Their website is still catching up because they’re too busy doing the work. (Side note, if anyone is available to help them with their website, let me know and I can connect you.) But for now, this video lays it all out beautifully.
Let’s make this season mean more
Wherever you live, whoever you’re shopping for — let’s pause to think about the kids who won’t have gifts without our help. This isn’t just about holiday cheer. It’s about what happens after the holidays, when families who felt seen and supported are stronger because of it.
This is your chance to stand with two incredible community leaders, support 500 families, and help fund the ripple-effect work that Danny and Rene are doing all year long.
Let’s turn generosity into momentum.
