Giving Back, Holiday Traditions, and the Power of Community - Ep 55

In Episode 55 of Cases & Cocktails, Bryan and Janice Eggleston step away from legal topics and lean fully into the spirit of the season—gratitude, generosity, and community. Over a festive Peppermint White Chocolate Cocktail, the couple reflects on holiday traditions, parenting memories, and the incredible impact of a Central Texas initiative that quietly changes lives every year. 

Ep 55 - Audio

The Holidays Beyond Gifts

As Bryan and Janice joke about Christmas movies, candy canes, and last-minute shopping stress, the conversation quickly turns more meaningful. They share that, as a family, they’ve never focused on exchanging gifts with each other. Instead, the holidays have always been about the kids—and about giving back.

That mindset leads directly into a heartfelt spotlight on the Stop & Live, Stop & Give Christmas Drive, a community-driven toy and essentials program founded and organized by their producer, Josh, alongside Janice. Now in its 11th year, the drive partners with Communities In Schools and Central Texas school districts to identify children who need help the most.

What the Kids Ask For Might Surprise You

Rather than extravagant wish lists, many children ask for the basics:

• Socks
• Jackets
• Toothbrushes
• Winter clothing

Of course, toys are included—but the real focus is dignity, warmth, and stability. School counselors work directly with students to complete lists in a way that protects their privacy and self-esteem, while sponsors step in to cover the cost.

This year alone, the drive is sponsoring 108 children, with each child averaging $100–$150 in support. As the episode unfolds, Bryan commits to sponsoring 10 additional children on the spot, bringing the total even higher.

Why It Matters

Josh explains that collecting donations is only half the challenge—distribution is the hard part. Coordinating between 15–20 campuses, organizing gifts, and ensuring every child receives exactly what they need requires months of planning and trusted community partnerships.

Janice quietly oversees the final checks, redistributing items as needed to ensure no child falls through the cracks. The gifts arrive at the office, fill every corner, and are eventually delivered back through the schools—often without the organizers ever seeing the final moment.

And that’s intentional.

“I don’t need to see it,” Janice explains. “It’s a lot of feeling. What matters is that it gets done.”

A Different Kind of Holiday Tradition

For Bryan, the toy drive has become one of the few things that makes the holidays meaningful. While obligatory gift-buying stresses him out, giving with purpose doesn’t. Helping kids who would otherwise go without has become a tradition that grounds the season in something real.

The episode closes with humor, movie debates, and holiday well-wishes—but the message is clear: community impact doesn’t require fanfare, only consistency and care.

The Takeaway

Episode 55 is a reminder that the holidays are about far more than presents. Through small acts repeated year after year, real lives are changed—and kids are reminded they matter.

Want to Support the Stop & Live, Stop & Give Christmas Drive?
Community sponsorships make this work possible. If you’re interested in helping future drives reach even more children, involvement is always welcome.

Need Legal Guidance During the Holidays?
The Eggleston Law Firm in Spicewood, Texas, helps families navigate custody, co-parenting, and high-conflict family law issues with compassion and clarity.