Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Piyush Chintalwar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Piyush, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Yes, Toys for Texans serves an underserved community. When I started this nonprofit, I saw a gap – kids across Texas were missing out on the joy of receiving toys during the holidays. Growing up in the Dallas Fort-Worth area, I saw both sides: kids who had plenty and those who missed out on things many take for granted. I couldn’t shake the thought that something as simple as a toy could remind a child that they matter, that people care about them. And in some neighborhoods, the chance to feel valued is often rare.

The stories that matter to me are ones where a small gesture goes a long way. Our first Christmas, we partnered with a local shelter. After handing out toys, a little girl clung to her new doll like it was her world. Her mom shared that it was the first gift her daughter had ever received. Moments like that capture why this work matters to me. Toys for Texans is about more than toys; it’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and dignity for children who deserve just as much hope as anyone else.

Piyush, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Piyush, a senior at Allen High School, and the founder of Toys for Texans. I started this nonprofit as a freshman, driven by a pretty simple goal: to bring toys to underprivileged kids across Texas. I grew up watching people rally around each other in times of need, and I wanted to be part of that. Our mission goes beyond just handing out toys – we aim to build a community where people who care about lifting others up can connect and make a difference.

What sets us apart is how hands-on we are. Toys for Texans isn’t some distant organization; it’s a grassroots effort fueled by students, volunteers, and anyone who wants to make a real impact. We organize local events, bring in volunteers from different backgrounds, and we’re constantly evolving based on the needs we see around us. In our first year, we raised $30,000, and that set a tone for what’s possible when people come together.

Today, our fundraising has exceeded $750,000 in donations and we’ve helped roughly 18,000 children in need. Yet, despite the numbers, I’m most proud of how Toys for Texans has inspired other students to start their own initiatives. Over time, I’ve had students come to me for advice on tackling issues in their own communities. My goal has been to make Toys for Texans a hub for ideas and passion, a place where people who genuinely care can grow their impact. For anyone hearing about us for the first time, just know that we’re here to make a difference, and there’s always room for more people to get involved.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Starting Toys for Texans was a learning experience in every way, especially when it came to raising funds. As a high school freshman with big dreams but little experience, I knew that turning ideas into reality would take more than passion – it would need real capital. So, I started small, organizing local fundraisers and reaching out to family, friends, and community members who were willing to support the mission. I’d pitch the vision of Toys for Texans to anyone who would listen, from local businesses to community leaders, explaining how even a small donation could go a long way.

In that first year, I set up lemonade stands, teamed up with school clubs, and put together an online campaign. My goal was $10,000, but with the incredible support from my community, we managed to raise $30,000. That initial success was proof that people believed in this mission as much as I did. And from there, it felt like Toys for Texans had real momentum – enough to grow into something bigger and more impactful.

Any advice for managing a team?

My biggest advice for managing a team and keeping morale high is to make everyone feel valued and included. When you’re working with volunteers, especially student volunteers, motivation can be tricky – they’re juggling school, jobs, and other commitments. So, I make it a point to show appreciation for every single contribution, whether it’s a small task or a big effort. I believe people do their best work when they know they’re making a difference and that their efforts truly matter.

Another thing I focus on is giving everyone ownership over what they’re doing. Rather than micromanaging, I trust my team members to make decisions in their areas. If someone has a great idea for a new event or fundraiser, I let them take the lead. This kind of autonomy boosts confidence and helps people feel connected to the mission. I’ve learned that when people feel trusted and are part of a larger purpose, they bring their best energy and creativity.

Finally, we keep things fun. Running a nonprofit can be challenging, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the process. We organize team socials, celebrate wins together, and keep things light whenever we can. For me, managing a team is about creating a positive, collaborative environment where people want to keep coming back – because they feel like they’re part of something meaningful and enjoyable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toysfortexans.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toysfortexans
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toysfortexans
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piyushchintalwar/