South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
These holiday toy drives are collecting gifts for kids
To spread the holiday spirit during a yearwhen it’s much-needed, many nonprofits and local establishments are coming together to ensure children throughout the community have a toy to call their own this year.
The Spirit of Giving Network along with several other nonprofits and businesses have set up toy drives and other holiday initiatives, hoping each child in South Florida will have a present to unwrap.
Here’s our guide to the toy drives being held throughBroward and Palm Beach counties:
Broward Fort Lauderdale
Collecting toys for children of residents that are in treatment, House of Hope kicked off a toy and fundraising drive for the holidays with donations accepted until Dec. 21. The nonprofit provider of substance abuse and mental illness programming has set up collection locations at theHouse of Hope food distribution center, 908SWFirst St., in Fort Lauderdale, and Stepping Stones, 801NE 17th St., in Fort Lauderdale. Along withnew, unwrapped toys, the sites are also collecting clothes, hygiene products, gift cards, books, puzzles and snacks. Monetary donations of any amount can also be provided by visiting houseofhope.org/donate.
PompanoBeach
CurrentBuilders, a Pompano Beach-based construction company, has recently launched its 15th annualHoliday Fundraising program. With the initiative’s goal to raise $45,000 in donations, the funds collected will be distributed toToys for Tots, RebuildingTogether
Broward, Feeding South Florida, Kappa Foundation, Best Buddies andCASA. To date, CurrentBuilders has received $250,000 in donations to benefit deserving nonprofit organizations. Tomake a donation, visit fundly.com/current-builders-2020-holiday-fundraiser.
Palm Beach
Boca Raton
The Spirit of Giving Network has partnered withBocaCenter to offer a holiday promotion for patrons. Until Jan. 4, Boca
Center will hostHolidayMusic Fridays where a livemusicianwillwalk throughout the courtyard playing holiday music or those dining-in at its restaurants. During this time, toy drive boxes will be available, offering guests the opportunity to bring a new, unwrapped gift to receive a complimentary cocktail or dining special at one of the participating Boca Center restaurants. Visit, bocacenter.com.
LakeWorth Beach
For the 25th consecutive year, Harry’sBanana Farm,
1919N. Dixie Highway, will be holding its annual holiday fundraiser onDec.
12, hoping to provide every needy elementary-aged student in the city with a gift-wrapped present. With help fromdonations by local artists, the iconic dive bar is hosting an outdoor arts and craft auction from
1 to 5 p.m. This year’s goal is to raise about $4,000 to
$5,000. Individuals can also join the bar’s “Heavy Hitter” club by donating
$100. Eligible students at Barton, Highland, North Grade and South elementary schools will receive presents fromthe funds collected at the fundraiser. Call 561-540-8300.
WestPalmBeach
For those looking to grab a drink while donating toys to a great cause, BatchNew Southern Kitchen andTap,
223 Clematis St., may have the perfect combination. OnDec. 20, the restaurant will be offering patrons a free drink in exchange for a new, unwrapped gift for a baby, toddler, child or teen from10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All toys collectedwill be donated to TheNicklaus Children’sHospital and PATCHESPPECFoundation. Visit batchsouthernkitchen.com.
The Palm Beach Outlets has teamed up with Little Smiles— a volunteer-driven nonprofit— to collect donations for the
11th annual Little Smiles HolidayToyDrive. Until Dec. 20, the outlets will be a donation drop-offlocation with the goal to assist in the nonprofit’s $250,000 goal. Individuals can bring new, unwrapped toys and gift cards to the collection bins at Polo Ralph Lauren, Jockey, OshKosh B’gosh or Carter’s. Virtual donations to purchase toys can also be made at littlesmilessfl.org. Donations collected will benefit the 23 hospitals, shelters and facilities Little Smiles serves. Visit palmbeachoutlets.com.