On a chilly Tuesday morning outside Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros closer Josh Hader and his wife, Maria, donned festive Santa hats and collected toys from the cars lining the street. This heartfelt initiative marked the Hader family’s first-ever Christmas toy drive in collaboration with BEAR (Be A Resource Houston), a nonprofit aiding children through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and Harris County Resources for Children. The organization supports at-risk youth by providing essential resources and tools to help them navigate challenging circumstances.
A Season of Giving
Josh Hader believes the holidays are a time for generosity and joy. Speaking to Chron, he explained, “The season is about giving and bringing joy to people. For what BEAR does for foster care, children, and families, times can be tough. Gifts are often overlooked because of other pressing needs. Giving back, even in a small way, brings a smile to a kid’s face.”
The impact of the toy drive was immediate. According to Katie Magee, BEAR’s head of development, the organization serves around 26,000 at-risk children in Houston annually. The toys collected will brighten the holidays for 50 to 60 foster children at BEAR’s annual Christmas party this Saturday. Previously, the party was limited to festive activities and photos with Santa. Still, the Haders’ contributions ensured the children would receive gifts.
A Personal Connection to Giving
The toy drive is just one of the ways the Haders have embraced community involvement. Josh Hader also launched Hader’s Heart, an initiative that allows BEAR children to attend Astros’ home games and meet the players. Building relationships with these kids has been deeply rewarding for Hader.
“I enjoy talking to them and learning about their dreams. We’ve had singers, YouTubers—so many kids with inspiring ambitions,” Hader said. These interactions remind him to appreciate life’s simple joys.
Maria Hader has also leveraged the family’s platform to amplify BEAR’s mission. After she shared the nonprofit’s work on Instagram, BEAR gained 2,000 new followers and received inquiries from other Astros’ wives eager to help. “Using baseball and our platform to bring awareness to causes we care about is a privilege, especially in the city we call home,” Maria shared.
Astros Community Rallies Together
The Haders weren’t alone in their efforts. Astros manager Joe Espada and former team legend Jeff Bagwell appeared, with Espada and his wife dropping gifts into donation bins. Espada emphasized the importance of players and staff coming together to support the community. “Our fans show up for us daily—it’s important we return that support,” he said.
More Than Just Gifts
For Maria Hader, the holiday magic extends beyond the presents. At Saturday’s Christmas party, she plans to bring ornaments for the kids to decorate, ensuring they experience the season’s joy. “Having a two-year-old has shown me how magical the holidays can be,” she said.
Thanks to the Haders and the Astros’ support, BEAR’s children will receive Christmas gifts and a chance to create lasting memories of a festive and caring community.