Ready to spread the Christmas cheer? Here are some toy drives on the SouthCoast
The season of giving is upon us. As times continue to be tough for many families across the SouthCoast numerous businesses and organizations have made it their mission to give the children in our community gifts under the tree on Christmas morning.
There are various ways to help those in need throughout the year but there is something special about contributing to the Christmas magic and keeping the spirit of giving strong within the community. If you are looking for a way to give back this holiday season most toy drives are accepting new unwrapped gifts for children under 17 unless otherwise noted.
Here are some of the toy drives happening across the SouthCoast that would greatly appreciate your help in creating Christmas memories.
How to help:Neediest Families Fund kicks off its holiday fundraiser for New Bedford families
Shorty's Pub Christmas Toy Drive
Shorty's Pub is hosting a Christmas Toy Drive for multiple organizations until Dec. 5. You can drop off a new unwrapped gift at 87 Aetna St., Fall River. Cash or Venmo donations can also be made and they will do the shopping for you.
Friends of Jack Foundation
Southcoast Insurance Group. has partnered up with the Friends of Jack Foundation this holiday season. Help those less fortunate by donating new, unwrapped toys for girls aged 4-6 until Dec. 7. Donations can be dropped off at either of their locations 374 Dartmouth St., New Bedford, or 74 State Road, Dartmouth.
Plante Jewelers
Plante Jewelers is accepting gifts for all the children and youth ages 10 to 18 served by Saint Vincent's Services until Dec. 9. Anyone who donates a new, unwrapped present will be entered into a Prize Drawing. A winner will be drawn on Dec. 20, for a pair of earrings. For a wish list of items, e-mail info@plantejewelers.com, call 508.673.0561, or visit www.plantejewelers.com.
Tiverton Police Department
The Tiverton Police Department is holding its Operation Blue Santa until Dec. 9 collecting new/unwrapped gifts for children 17 and under. The following businesses have drop-off boxes: Tiverton Police Department, Sanford and Son LTD, Tom's Market, Humphrey's Building Supply, George's Gas & Services, Tiverton Library, The Moose Cafe, The Black Goose Cafe, Baja Cat Cafe, Bay Coast Bank, Leo's Greenhouse, The Boathouse Restaurant, Sakonnet Grille, Localz Tiverton, and Brookdale Manor.
Maddox J. Almeida Foundation
The Maddox J. Almeida Foundation is bringing joy this holiday season to families less fortunate. They are holding a toy drive for Citizens For Citizens from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. Friday, Dec. 9 at Our Lady of Light Band Hall, 664 Quarry St., Fall River. Donations can be dropped off in Fall River until Dec. 7 at Studio Vogue, 598 Brayton Avenue; Twins Restaurant, 374 Miller Street; Joseph's Hair Design, 1554 Pleasant Street.
Somerset Police Department
The Somerset Police Department will be taking part in a "Stuff-the-Cruiser" event from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Winterfest in the Slade Ferry District of Somerset.
They will also be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children up to 12 years old until Dec.16. Gift cards to local businesses are also welcome. Toys can be dropped off at the Somerset Police Department, 465 County Street, Somerset, or reach out to Officer Dempsey /Officer Kelly and arrangements can be made to pick up donations. Email Officer Dempsey b_dempsey@somersetpd.org or email/call/text Officer Kelly (508-493-4932) s_kelly@somersetpd.org for additional information.
Cojo's Toy World
Cojo's Toy World is giving back to the community with a Toy Drive Meet & Greet with wrestling legend Spike Dudley from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at 763 Purchase St., New Bedford. Donate one or more new packaged toys and you will receive a free autograph and photograph with Spike.
JT Realty & Insurance Group
JT Realty & Insurance Group is holding its annual Santa's toy drive at 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at 1392 Rodman St., Fall River. There will be face painting, food, and more - all you need to do is bring an unwrapped gift.
Mesa 21
Mesa 21 is hosting a Hope for the Holidays Toy drive from 11 to 4 p.m. Dec. 11 at 21 Lindsey St., Fall River for new unwrapped toys and gift cards. It will include a complimentary buffet. If you can't make it they are accepting toy drop-offs during business hours.
Home Bound Realty
Home Bound Realty is having a Holiday Toy Drive from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at 922 Kempton St., New Bedford. Donated unwrapped gifts will go to the United Way and New Bedford Firefighters toy drive.
Thrill City Cycle
Thrill City Cycle is collecting toys in Loving Memory of Big Al, the original Sailor Claus for the VA Hospital Toy Drive> donations can be dropped off at 204 Pinehurst Ave., Swansea until Dec. 11.
United Way and New Bedford Firefighters’ Union
For the 24th year, United Way of Greater New Bedford and the New Bedford Firefighters’ Union are accepting new, unwrapped toys or gift cards to help bring Christmas joy to all children in our community. Donations are needed by Dec. 14 and can be dropped off at any New Bedford Fire Station or there are many businesses with drop-off spots for the toy for the drive, you can find them here.
Better Community Living Family Support Center
The Better Community Living Family Support Center is holding a Christmas Toy Drive. They serve children and adults with disabilities in the Greater New Bedford community; presents for all ages are greatly appreciated. Drop-off sites are: BCL Family Support Center, 5 Ventura Dr., Dartmouth; Dorothy Cox's Chocolates, 21 Berdon Way, Fairhaven; VFW, 109 Middle St., Fairhaven; and 128 Union St., New Bedford. Any questions, email jessica_martins@bettercommunity.com or call 508-542-5589.
Trucchi’s
Trucchi’s has partnered with Citizens for Citizens to help collect and distribute donations in time for children to receive toys on Christmas Day. The toys should be new and unwrapped, also welcomed are new hats, gloves, mittens, and coats. Local toy donations can be dropped off at St. Vincent De Paul, 53 Oak St., Middleborough, Schwartz Rehabilitation Center, 374 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford, and State Police Troop D 265 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth.
Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas. There are numerous locations throughout the SouthCoast to find there closest to you visit Toys for Tots.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: SouthCoast toy drives accepting donations for needy at christmas
