The gift of giving can oftentimes be the greatest thing to wrap up in a nice, shiny bow, spreading the holiday cheer to those in need. Check out these local toy drives and holiday fundraisers to give back to the community this season.
Drives for organizations + groups
Toys for Tots
This national campaign supported 17,112 kiddos with 51,414 toys locally last year. Drop off toys at local drives like:
- The Read House | Donate games, playthings, and more in the lobby now through Thursday, Dec. 14.
Northside Neighborhood House
You can donate to this local nonprofit’s Santa Workshop directly through its page or by visiting these drives:
- Northshore Merchants Collective | From now through Sunday, Dec. 10, you can donate toys to I Go Tokyo + Learning Express Toys — bonus: cash donations will be matched.
- CrossFit Brigade | Bring unwrapped toys to the donation bin Tuesday, Dec. 5-Saturday, Dec. 9.
Forgotten Child Fund
Run by local firefighters, EMS, and police officers, this organization offers assistance to families in need. Note: Applications to receive items close on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
- Coats for Kids | Coats can be donated on Thursday, Nov. 30 at Hamilton Place Mall from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Christmas on the River | Head to Zois Harbor Lights Restaurant in nearby Soddy-Daisy to donate unwrapped gifts or check donations on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
- US-101 Toy + Money Drive | Head to any of these five area Walmarts to drop off toy or cash donations.
- Spare Time Chattanooga | Toy donations will be accepted now through Thursday, Dec. 14 —bonus: receive a $10 gameplay card with each donation.
Be The Change Youth Initiative
This nonprofit will be hosting toy drives in tandem with its Concert for a Cause series to help give back to various local organizations. Check out more ways to help out.
- Hi-Fi Clyde’s | Listen to local acts like Tres Winn while donating items on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
- RedBud Venue | Stop by on Friday, Dec. 1 from 7 to 9 p.m. to listen to live music + bring unwrapped toys like art kits and Legos.
- Vagabond Barber Co. | Hear tunes from In The Company of Wolves on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and donate.
- Songbirds | Close out the holiday concert series and toy drive on Saturday, Dec. 9 with a lineup that includes Andrew Witherspoon.
Independent drives
Hits96
Donate a brand new teddy bear to the station (2615 Broad St.) now through Thursday, Dec. 7 to get two free tickets to its Ugly Christmas Sweater Party that evening with headliner LANY — toys benefit the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Chattanooga Area Chamber
Join this local chapter for its next coffee networking event on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. with an unwrapped toy donation for the Soddy-Daisy Fire Department.
Kitchen Incubator of Chattanooga
Join the KIC for its Christmas Parade and Market event on Saturday, Dec. 16 to participate in festivities, including a toy drive from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Millennium Bank
From now through Wednesday, Dec. 6 you can stop by any Chattanooga area branch location to drop off toys, clothing items, and more to benefit Reach One Teach One.
Sunny 92.3
This local radio show will host its Sunny Cares For Kids Health Radiothon starting Wednesday, Dec. 6 through Friday, Dec. 8. From 6 to 9 a.m., folks can call, text, or donate online to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger.
Hosting a toy drive or holiday fundraiser? Gift us more to add to the list.
