There are many area charitable organizations collecting toys for children who might not otherwise receive any gifts. The list below includes several organizations that are collecting new, unwrapped toys and will distribute them to children in our community.
Salvation Army
The Angel Tree program ensures children, seniors and adults with disabilities experience the joy of gifts under their tree on Christmas morning. North Texans can adopt a local Angel online. Or, Forgotten Angel tags are additionally available for selection on Angel Trees at participating Walmart and mall locations. The last day to adopt an Angel is Dec. 3. The last day to return your Angel’s gifts is Dec. 5. To find locations for gift drop-offs, visit SalvationArmyNTX.org/north-texas/angel-tree.
North Texans can register to bell ring at a local Red Kettle at registertoring.com. They can also donate online or host their own Virtual Red Kettle as an individual or with a group. Donations at Red Kettles provide food, shelter and hope to those in need all year long. Donations stay in the community where they were given to meet local needs.
Garland Fire Department
The Garland Fire Department is currently accepting new unwrapped toys. Donations can be dropped off at any of the Garland fire stations or at the Fire Administration building. Addresses can be found at garlandfire.com. Donations should be for boys or girls 0-12 years of age. Toys of any price help. Cash donations and Walmart gift cards are also accepted at the administration building.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a national toy drive run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. They collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to less fortunate children in the community. You can drop off gifts at participating businesses or contact your local Toys for Tots campaign to find out where the nearest drop-off location is. Click here to find out drop off location near you.
Hope Clinic of Garland
Planet Ford 635 and Hope Clinic of Garland are joining forces to collect toys for the families served by Hope Clinic. Hope Clinic is celebrating 20 years of providing primary health care and resources for healthy living to the underserved population of Dallas County. Drop off gifts at Planet Ford 635, 3601 South Shiloh Road in Garland or Hope Clinic, 800 South Sixth Street, Suite 100 in Garland. Drop off toys by Dec. 15.
Friendship House
The Friendship House is collecting new and slightly used toys for children 0-14 years of age. They will distribute the gifs Dec. 12, 13 and 14. Donation can be dropped at the back of the Friendship House Mondays or Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. or in the overnight drop off bins 24/7.
We will be distributing the gifts on Dec. 12,13,14.
Good Samaritans of Garland
Good Sam is not collecting toys, but they are feeding more people than usual because inflation has taken a toll on everyone. Currently, they need rice and pasta. They’ll also accept other nonperishable food donations. Drop off donations at 214 North 12th Street in Garland.