Updated for 2024
Before the kids get too involved with their holiday wish lists, help them remember that this is the season of giving and that there are children in Los Angeles who may not receive many gifts without our donations. In fact, the Holiday Toy Drive was invented here in Los Angeles in 1947 by Toys for Tots.
Here are suggestions for ways to help make this holiday season a little brighter for children in LA. A new toy is a simple thing to donate and can bring so much joy to a child on Christmas morning. Consider these Holiday Toy Drives in Los Angeles.
Holiday Toy Drives in SoCal
Toys for Tots
Each year since 1947, the “Marine Toys for Tots Program has been delivering a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters.” This special program provides holiday gifts to less fortunate children throughout our country. Families can participate by donating money and/or gifts of new, unwrapped toys. The website has information regarding communities being served and where you can find drop-off locations.
Spark of Love Toy Drive
Every year, Southern California firefighters and ABC7 TV join forces to make the holiday season a happier one for less fortunate children in our communities. “Over the years, the Spark of Love Toy Drive has successfully collected and distributed nearly 11 million toys!”
Donations will happily be accepted starting Friday, November 8th – Friday, December 13th 2024. Families can participate by donating funds, donating a toy through the Spark of Love gift registry available online, or through one of the other ways mentioned on their website.
Additionally, OCFA and KWAVE will have several toy collection events throughout Orange County where we welcome all new, unwrapped toys. Check website for details.
Spark of Love — Ventura County Firefighters
The Ventura County Fire Department is also joining ABC7 TV to gather donations and toys for children and teens to provide happiness and hope during this holiday season. In addition to toys, they are also seeking donations of non-perishable food at certain locations. See the website for additional information.
Friends of the Children — Los Angeles (Friends LA)
672 S. Lafayette Park Pl., Ste. 33, Los Angeles, CA 90057
539 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93534
(213) 378-0704
Friends of the Children-Los Angeles (Friends LA) disrupts generational trauma and poverty through the power of relationships with long-term, salaried, professional mentors. They pair children ages 4-6 who have been affected by the foster care and/or child welfare systems to professional mentors — who they call “Friends” — from kindergarten through high school graduation. They commit to their children and their caregivers for 12+ years, no matter what.
Here are a few of the ways you can help Friends LA this holiday season :
- Host a toy drive (see the website for details)
- Donate new, unwrapped toys and/or clothing for children ages 6 months – 18 years old
- Donate grocery or gas cards
- Donate activity kits for children ages 4–12 years old
- Join the Forever Friend program and become a monthly donor
- Volunteer to help with their worthwhile events and workshops
Baby2Baby
5830 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016
This organization works year-round to provide low-income children (infants to age 12) with basic items that all children should have while growing up and generally accepts donations year-round. Because of COVID-19, Baby2Baby is unable to accept gently used donations. However, families can still help by donating funds as well as donating less-fun, but still essential, items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene items such as soap and shampoo. Check the website for details.
CHLA Holiday Block Party & Toy Drive
The Point, 850 S. Pacific Coast Hwy., El Segundo, CA 90245
Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles is holding a holiday block party and toy drive this year at The Point. The event takes place on December 7th 2024 from 11am – 3pm and benefits chronically ill children and their families. You can attend, donate a new toy or household item, and in return receive a shopping and dining passport that unlocks special holiday incentives at shops at The Point. You’ll also get a chance to enter and win other prizes, get free treats, and more. There will also be live performances including a short performance of The Nutcracker. Check the website for more details.
Holiday Giving Drive
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
“Each holiday season, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office provides much-needed cheer to hundreds of crime victims and their families through the Holiday Giving Drive.” The Holiday Giving Drive provides holiday meals and gifts. Families can help by making a tax-deductible donation to this program. Details are available online.
Adopt-A-Family
YWCA Glendale & Pasadena
735 E. Lexington Dr., Glendale, CA 91206
“Each year donors at YWCA Glendale make holiday wishes come true for families affected by domestic violence.” You can help by adopting a family in need. Families provide a list of their most needed items, and donors are matched with family profiles and their wish lists. Check the website for details on how your family can get involved.
Aviva’s Annual Holiday Drive
Aviva Family and Children’s Services
7120 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Aviva’s Sponsor-A-Family and Sponsor-A-Child Holiday Programs are designed to assist vulnerable children and their families who do not have resources to celebrate the holidays.” Sponsor families have the opportunity to provide families in need with food and clothing as well as gifts during the holiday season. Families may choose to adopt a child or a family, and they will then receive a personalized wish list. Other ways to help include sorting/organizing gifts, hosting a toy drive, and making a financial donation. Details are available online.
Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive
Online or In-Person
The Orange County Mayor’s Holiday Toy Drive is celebrating 14 years of giving back to their community. Last year, they were fortunate enough to collect more than 11,500 toys to support Orange County’s youth and family agencies, along with several nonprofits across the county. Donations can be made online by December 3rd 2024 or in-person on Monday December 9th 2024 at more than 30 drop-off locations throughout Orange County.
Operation Santa Claus
Operation Santa Claus (OSC) is a year-round donation program dedicated to providing new gifts and toys to children in foster care in Orange County, California. Last year, the program successfully distributed over 27,000 new toys and gifts, spreading joy and hope to some of the county’s most vulnerable children who might otherwise have gone without. Donations are accepted November 12th 2024 through December 31st 2024, please check website for details.
Toy Donations at CHOC
Online or In-Person
Toys, crafts and games are provided to CHOC patients’ bedsides, playrooms, waiting rooms and as gifts for birthdays, holidays, accomplishments or other special occasions. CHOC will be accepting holiday donations during these dates and times: December 9th -12th (Monday-Thursday) from 12pm-4pm and December 16th -19th (Monday-Thursday) from 12pm-4pm.
Your child’s school and/or class
Bring home the idea and the spirit of giving, by helping to arrange a toy drive at your child’s school. (If you’d prefer to start smaller, organize one for your child’s classroom). Work out the details with your child’s teacher (monetary limit for donations, when donations need to be brought in, perhaps a class incentive for 100% participation), and then donate those toys to an organization of your choice. While this year it may be a bit more difficult to coordinate collecting gifts since everyone is learning from home, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. He/she may have a direct connection with an organization needing donated toys and funds.
Did we miss any toy drives in your area? Please let us know in the comments.
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Not Yet Updated For 2024
Citadel Outlets’ Toy Drive
100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90040
November 25-December 17, Fridays through Sundays – CHiPs for Kids Annual Holiday Toy Drive – The CHiPs for Kids Annual Holiday Toy Drive is returning to Citadel Outlets, running from November 25 through December 17, Fridays through Sundays. Shoppers are encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy in the bin located at Customer Service to share the holiday magic with a child or teen in need.
Katie Joseph
Saturday 3rd of December 2022
North Valley Caring Services is located in North Hills, San Fernando Valley. Our toy drive 12/1-12/15/22 and we would LOVE your help! We can provide bins/flyers/social media tools to help you collect toys and will even pick-up if you want! Toys and gift cards for all ages are really needed and will be distributed by Santa at our Wonderland Holiday Party on 12/21/22 where more than 400 children and their families will gather to enjoy a Holiday celebration just for them. All the kids we serve are experiencing homelessness, living in local motels, food insecure and live in a gang injunction area. Without you there is no Holiday season for these kids. Thanks for any help!
• Host a toy/gift card drive • Donate a toy! • Volunteer to help set-up and/or at the event on 12/21 • Sponsor the event (opportunities start at $250-$5,000 with lots of promotion!) • Donate (every dollar raised will be used for the event) www.nvcsinc.org • Get in touch [email protected]
Sarah Auerswald
Sunday 4th of December 2022
Thanks for letting us know.
Vickie Tyler
Monday 21st of December 2020
Hello I was wondering if anywhere I could get a few toys for a two year little boy. I’m in south Los Angeles closer to the Inglewood/Gardena area. Thank you
Sarah Auerswald
Tuesday 22nd of December 2020
Hi! I would try the Fire Stations nearby, they are doing the Spark of Love Toy Drives. There's also a Toy for Tots in Bell - check them out: https://bell-ca.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.aspx
Kim S. Bradshaw
Monday 18th of December 2017
My family has resided in Los Angeles for 3 1/2 yrs. We were just told about this organization? I'd like to know can the people in the community receive toys and clothing for 2017 Christmas as well? What dates and times are the Christmas Giveaways?
Yvonne Condes
Monday 18th of December 2017
Here is a link with information on how to request toys - http://abc7.com/family/spark-of-love-how-to-receive-toys/1615110/ - Thank you.
Jennifer
Sunday 17th of December 2017
My little sisters and brother unfortunately won’t be getting presents this year which wAs a hard y’all to have with them . Is there somewhere in particular that I can take them to get gifts and feel that even strangers care to make a smile on their faces;$
Yvonne Condes
Monday 18th of December 2017
Here is a link with information on how to request toys http://abc7.com/family/spark-of-love-how-to-receive-toys/1615110/ - Thank you.
Rena
Friday 16th of December 2016
I live in the fairfax area of los angeles. Where can I drop off toys for kids? Please advise.
Yvonne Condes
Friday 16th of December 2016
Hi, Rena. You can drop off toys at your local fire station. There's one at 7643 California State Rte 2, West Hollywood, CA 90046 and one at 5821 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90036 in your area. Thank you!