8 ways to spread holiday cheer to kids this season
’Tis the season to think of others and spread joy throughout Pittsburgh, and what better way to do that than buying toys for children who might not receive a toy otherwise?
Toy drives abound in Pittsburgh this year, and those in a giving mood just need to pick one or more that they would like to participate in this year.
Marine Corps all over the area are holding their annual Toys for Tots toy drive. For more information and to find a location near you, go to toysfortots.org.
The Pittsburgh Human Resource Association is holding the PHRA Holiday Toy Drive, collecting gift and toy donations through Dec. 3 for the North Hills Community Outreach Holiday Toy Program. The PHRA is hoping to fulfill the gift wishes for 45 children this year. Information on where to donate can be found at pittsburghphra.org.
beSocial, which provides free space for a variety of community-focused events, is holding a toy drive until Dec. 10 at Social Status at 5929 Penn Avenue. Additional information about beSocial and the toy drive can be found at socialstatuspgh.
Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes will be collecting toys throughout December for children in need. Information on the program and information on where and when you can donate can be found at toysforpittsburghtikes.com.
UPMC Children’s Hospital Child Life Department is holding a contactless toy donation event where toys can be shipped directly from an online holiday registry at chp.edu/ourservices/child-life/toy-donations.
Play It Forward Pittsburgh is accepting donations of gently used toys and will be offering them free to families who are in need or might be having a tough year. The organization is celebrating the 12th year of this event. To receive a prepackaged holiday box go to playitforwardpittsburgh.com.
Former Steeler Charlie Batch is collaborating with former Penn Hills native Aaron Donald, who played for Pitt and is now a member of the Los Angeles Rams, and his nonprofit AD99 to hold the Batch-A-Toys event through Dec. 21. Batch-A-Toys is a community-wide program through the Best of the Batch Foundation. In addition to toys, essential household items and a holiday meal basket for the entire family is provided. Find more information at batchfoundation.org.
The Mars Borough Police Department is holding its 2nd annual Toys for Tots toy drive. While the Marine Toys for Tots handles much of the campaign, success also depends on local communities and their generosity. In addition to their Stuffa-Cruiser event, donations will also be accepted. Information on both the Stuff-aCruiser and where to donate toys on other dates can be found at marsborough.com/ stuff-a-cruiser.