Each year, thousands of children and families across New York City find themselves in need of assistance and support. With the season of giving upon us, there are several opportunities to help those who are less fortunate. Fortunately, various citywide programs are hosting local toy drives, aiming to make all children's holidays merry and bright.
Here are three organizations in New York City accepting toy donations this year.
Coalition for the Homeless
As the oldest advocacy organization providing assistance and care to homeless individuals and families, the Coalition for the Homeless actively works towards “…giving voice and hope to the most marginalized among us." They report that nearly 18,000 children will spend the holidays in the municipal shelter system this year. Now through Dec. 16, the Coalition is holding a virtual and in-person toy drive. They are accepting both online gift purchases through their Amazon Wish List and physical gift donations.
Toys for Tots
Overseen by the U.S. Marine Corps, Toys for Tots is among the most well-known children's gift charities, with over 248,113 toys distributed in 2021 alone. The organization has local donation campaigns throughout New York City. Campaigns will be present at local events and across NYC until Dec. 16, providing multiple opportunities to donate including physical drop-boxes. In addition to physical toy donations, gifts will be accepted virtually at virtualtoybox@toysfortots.org, with monetary donations available through their official website, here.
USPS Operation Santa
The U.S. Postal Service's annual holiday program, Operation Santa, makes an enormous impact each holiday season, "...one letter to Santa at a time." The 100-year-old program, which began in NYC, allows children to write a letter to Santa with their Christmas wishes. Letters are then adopted by individual donors. Last year, over 21,275 packages were sent to children and families across the country and this year. New York City has several post office locations that contribute to Operation Santa. You can find a participating location via the link below.
For a complete list of other charitable organizations bringing the magic of the season to children in New York City, click here.
