December 4, 2018 – Dallas Observer – Raegan Scharfetter
As the Christmas season tiptoes closer and closer, so do all those sweet childhood memories. Like peeking through your bedroom door to catch Santa perfectly placing presents under the tree or waking up extra early to find what is stuffed deep in your stocking.
Unfortunately, not every child has these memories. Some families may not have the money, some children may be in foster care and some may even be in a hospital. This is why toy drives are so important. So, here are 10 North Texas toy drives to consider this season.
Chris Howell Foundation Casino Night: Holiday Fundraiser and Toy Drive
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Renaissance Hotel, 2222 N. Stemmons Freeway
Come celebrate the holidays with the Chris Howell Foundation at their casino night-themed fundraiser and toy drive. There will be games, live performances and a silent auction to provide health, wellness and financial literacy to individuals in need. Guests will also receive $25 off by bringing a toy to donate to the Boys & Girls Club.
Christmas in the Square Toy Drive
Now through Dec. 18 at Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd., Frisco
Frisco Square is partnering with Operation Once in a Lifetime (OOIAL) during this holiday season. OOIAL Toys for Troops drive helps military families provide a memorable Christmas for their children. Donations should be new, unwrapped toys or clothing and will be accepted at 11 locations on the square.
Cowboy Santas
541 N. Main St., Fort Worth
Cowboy Santas are here to provide children 12 and younger with toys, books and more this holiday season. Donations should be dropped off by Dec. 20 at any Fort Worth police or fire station, or at the program’s warehouse.
Family Gateway
Family Gateway: 711 S. St. Paul St.; Studio 7 Performance: 13702 Gamma Road, Farmers Branch
Find the art in your heart this holiday season, 12-year-old Maya Delgado would say. With her arts nonprofit HeARTS of Maya, Delgado partnered with Family Gateway. Donations for kids 6 months to 18 years will be accepted through Dec. 13 at the locations above.
Great Holiday Tree Lighting
3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Toyota Music Factory, 316 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving
If you’re looking for a spectacular sight to see while spreading the gift of giving, then this one’s for you. Gather with friends and family around the 30-foot tree in the middle of Texas Lottery Plaza for its annual tree lighting. There will be games, pictures with Santa and food available. Attendees are also encouraged to bring unwrapped toys, canned goods and non-perishables for those in need.
Tommy’s Toys
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Granite Building, 550 Reserve St., Southlake
Join the Tommy Pennington Group for a night full of family fun and giving. Attendees can enjoy a cocoa bar, cookies, cocktails and pictures with Santa all to benefit GRACE Christmas Cottage. Donation ideas can be found on the GRACE Christmas Cottage Wish List.
Tweet Drive Dallas
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Steelcase Worklife Center, 1616 Hi Line Drive
Get ready to put your social media skills to the test at the annual Tweet Drive Dallas collaborative charity event. Donations will serve as an entry ticket to a night of live music, local food and drinks all in honor of this year’s beneficiaries, who are in need of Christmas toys for children. Share Dallas Tweet Drive using #DALTweetDrive
WFAA Santa’s Helpers
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Historic Downtown McKinney, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Don Davis Auto Group, 1903 N. Collins St., Arlington
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Colleyville Heritage High School, 5401 Heritage Ave., Colleyville
5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at Montgomery Plaza, 2600 W. 7th St., Fort Worth
5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Dec. 19 at WFAA Victory Park Studio, 3030 Olive St., Dallas
WFAA’s Santa’s Helpers is celebrating its 49th year collecting holiday toys for children. News 8 meteorologist Pete Delkus will accept toys for more than 50,000 children throughout DFW at the above upcoming events.
Whole Earth Provision Co.: New Toy and Book Drive
Now through Dec. 16 at Whole Earth Provision Co., 5400 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas
Now through Dec. 16 at Whole Earth Provision Co., 321 State St., Southlake
For the past seven years, Whole Earth has collected new toys and books for children in need. This year, they are asking for new toys or books, in their original packaging, with a $10 or more value. Those who donate will receive a $5 in-store coupon.
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