These holiday toy drives are collecting gifts for kids

To spread the holiday spirit during a year when 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 through Broward and Palm Beach counties:

Broward

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 the House of Hope food distribution center, 908 SW First St., in Fort Lauderdale, and Stepping Stones, 801 NE 17th St., in Fort Lauderdale. Along with new, 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.

Current Builders, a Pompano Beach-based construction company, has recently launched its 15th annual Holiday Fundraising program. With the initiative’s goal to raise $45,000 in donations, the funds collected will be distributed to Toys for Tots, Rebuilding Together

Broward, Feeding South Florida, Kappa Foundation, Best Buddies and CASA. To date, Current Builders has received $250,000 in donations to benefit deserving nonprofit organizations. To make a donation, visit fundly.com/current-builders-2020-holiday-fund

raiser.

Palm Beach

The Spirit of Giving Network has partnered with Boca Center to offer a holiday promotion for patrons. Until Jan. 4, Boca

Center will host Holiday Music Fridays where a live musician will walk 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.

For the 25th consecutive year, Harry’s Banana Farm, 1919 N. Dixie Highway, will be holding its annual holiday fundraiser on Dec. 12, hoping to provide every needy elementary-aged student in the city with a gift-wrapped present. With help from donations 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 from the funds collected at the fundraiser. Call 561-540-8300.

For those looking to grab a drink while donating toys to a great cause, Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap, 223 Clematis St., may have the perfect combination. On Dec. 20, the restaurant will be offering patrons a free drink in exchange for a new, unwrapped gift for a baby, toddler, child or teen from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All toys collected will be donated to The Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and PATCHES PPEC Foundation. 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 Holiday Toy Drive. Until Dec. 20, the outlets will be a donation drop-off location 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.

Rabbi Robert Silvers and Minda Shaiman collect toys at the Congregation B’nai Israel Dec. 2.