Stories That Put
Good Things
In Your Pocket!

Tony Orlando Little was born in Chesterfield, South Carolina — a small town that set the stage for an extraordinary journey built on grit and grace.

Tony was raised in New Haven, Connecticut, growing up in the Franklin Street Projects. The community shaped his character, fueled his drive, and instilled a lifelong desire to give back.

Long before Pockets existed, Tony was already making a difference. He organized special events for The United Way and The Leukemia Society right in the heart of Yale University — proof that community impact was always in his DNA.

Tony left Connecticut and moved to Florida — not for himself, but to raise his son on his own. That quiet act of devotion defined everything that followed.

A devastating car accident in 1994 left both Tony and his son in a coma. It was the darkest moment of his life — a test that would break most people.

From hardship, love, and miracle, Tony created Pockets — a character who teaches children good behavior, manners, and the joy of laughter. He got his name from having pockets everywhere, even on his hat!