It’s that time of the year again! Make a difference locally by contributing to these Iowa toy drives.
Click here for Iowa food drives to support this holiday season.
Waypoint Wonderland
Cedar Rapids
Bring joy to families who may be facing homelessness, poverty or violence with Waypoint Wonderland in Cedar Rapids. Make a difference by donating brand-new toys, books, games, essential household items and monetary donations. You can also conveniently purchase items from the Amazon wishlist, and goods can be shipped directly to the facility. Last year, Waypoint brightened the holidays for over 400 children. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 11 and can be dropped off at Waypoint’s 5th Street SE entrance Monday through Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.waypointservices.org.
Johnson and Washington Counties Toys for Tots
Iowa City
Gather your friends for a festive volunteering experience at this Iowa toy drive. Assist Toys for Tots in picking up donations, sorting, organizing and helping registered families select toys. Donate by dropping off new, unwrapped toys at registered boxes through Dec. 10, or shop from the comfort home by utilizing the Toys for Tots Amazon wishlist. For more information, visit iowa-city-ia.toysfortots.org.
Adopt-a-Family with Mentor Iowa
Urbandale
Mentor Iowa announced its annual Adopt-a-Family program, aiming to bring joy to 375 children this year. On average, sponsors spend $100 per adopted child. If you’re eager to make a child’s holiday season brighter, email marty@mentoriowa.org. For more information, visit mentoriowa.org.
Dubuque Toys for Tots
Dubuque
If you’re interested in donating toys in Dubuque this holiday season, Toys for Tots drop-off locations are at the Multicultural Center (1157 Central Ave.) or Salvation Army (1099 Iowa St.). For those opting for monetary donations, ensure it will stay within the Dubuque community by selecting “IA-Dubuque” as your local campaign destination. If you are interested in volunteering your time at this Iowa toy drive, contact bryce@dubuque365.com. For more information, visit dubuquetoys.org.
Wildcat Distilling Co.
Webster City
From Dec. 1 to Dec. 16, Wildcat Distilling Co. is spreading holiday cheer with a Toys for Tots Drive. Drop off unwrapped toys at Wildcat Distilling Co.’s Tasting Room located at 626 2nd Street. Receive 25 percent off one drink when you donate a new toy! For more information, visit www.wildcatdistillery.com.
Toys for Tots Drive at Outlets of Des Moines
Altoona
From Nov. 17 to Dec. 17, donate new, unwrapped toys to the Toys for Tots collection box at the Outlets of Des Moines Food Pavilion, near Customer Service. For more information, visit https://outletsofdesmoines.com/.
USPS Operation Santa
Be a part of Santa’s team this year! USPS created Operation Santa as its receive thousands of letters to Santa each year. Create an account to explore heartfelt letters from local children and choose one to adopt. Then, select the perfect gift and send it from a participating Post Office location. Make sure to mail your package before Dec. 18 for Christmas delivery. For more information, visit www.uspsoperationsanta.com.
New Opportunities Partners with Toys for Tots
Carroll
Embrace the spirit of giving this holiday season. New Opportunities and the Iowa Toys for Tots Foundation are bringing statewide support to low-income families in every county. Each county hosts holiday toy drives, collecting and distributing gifts to families in need before Christmas. New Opportunities ensures over 1,000 children from birth to age 12 receive a free toy each year. Support your local New Opportunities and Toys for Tots in Iowa by donating new, unwrapped toys. For more information, visit www.newopp.org.