Y&R’s Michelle Stafford Leads Co-Stars On A Mission To Deliver Holiday Cheer

While Christmas in Genoa City isn’t shaping up to be much — there’s a lot of doom and gloom — Michelle Stafford and other very real actors who work tirelessly to entertain day in and day out on The Young and the Restless are doing their utmost to make the season merry for some deserving tots.

Michelle Stafford And Co. Hit Up Big Lots

Stafford (Phyllis), Lauralee Bell (Christine), Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki), Courtney Hope (Sally), Bryton James (Devon), and Conner Floyd (Chance) took to Big Lots on Wednesday, carrying on a tradition that dates back to 2020. Namely, a shopping spree that sees toys bought and donated to children in need. (Get the details here.)

Stafford shared a big post, detailing the work she and her Y&R co-stars recently did to ensure that others in their area have a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. “Our 4th annual YOUNG and the Restless/NAACP/NAN toy drive was a success!! Thank You [Bell], [James], [Hope], [Ordway], [Floyd], [Scott], [Matt Kane] for coming out!! Thank you always to these champions!! [Fred Shaw] the president of the [NAACP] Inglewood branch [Jonathan Moseley] of [NAN] and [Salvation Army SoCal] for your collaboration with us to the community.

“Thank you for leading the way,” she continued. “This was our MOST successful toy drive yet!! It just gets bigger and bigger!! SO many toys! A very special thank you to Susie and Mark at [Big Lots] and [Big Lots]corp for giving us the incredible discount our second year in a row!! This is not only for the kids but also to make life a little easier on the parents.

“It’s heartbreaking, not being able to provide for your babies,” Stafford wrote. “Everyone needs a little help during the holidays. We are always happy to give during this time. Thank you to every one at [Y&R] who gave!! You come through every year! I am so honored to be a part of this selfless, giving group!! Thank you!! I love you!! #tistheseason #yrtoydrive (video to come)”

Bell shared several snaps of her and fellow gift givers and a video depicting their mighty haul on Instagram alongside the caption, “Michelle, you did it again! Brought us all together for such a special day! Starting out our day shopping [Big Lots] and leaving tons of toys in good hands and with the most special people [NAACP Inglewood] [National Action Network] [The Salvation Army USA]to make sure kids have a happier Christmas!”

Earlier this year, Stafford used the same platform to post an extract from a news story showing the cast of Y&R being honored for their philanthropy and enthuse that she was “So so SO honored to be acknowledged along with the amazing people of [Y&R] by [NAACP] and [NAN] for our continued efforts to help the community. 

“Thank you for this honor. During 2020 I (along with my co workers) set up a toy drive for kids who would have otherwise not had a Christmas. Folks were suffering. Shoot… they’re still suffering,” she continued. “Everybody on my show was so generous, not only monetarily, but with their time. I truly so happy to be a part of this group of folks who care SO much!! Y and R’s connection with these 2 amazing civil rights groups… the biggest in the nation will just continue to grow and grow! Thank you for the honor.”