Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive & Adopt a Family

 FB_Toy-Drive

Overview: 

The Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive is an annual collaboration between Town Departments including Hamden Community Services at Keefe Center, The Hamden Police and Fire Departments, The Hamden Community Emergency Response Team, Hamden Arts and Culture, and many dedicated and extremely generous Hamden residents. Thank you to Chris and Don Buechel for being the lead Hamden resident organizers for this event year after year in collaboration with Keefe Community Services. 


1. How to Apply to Receive Donated Toys: 

To find out if you are eligible to participate in the toy drive as a recipient, please call Community Services Program Specialist, AnneMarie Karavas between Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm - 203-562-5129 ext. 1110.

2. How to Donate:

To participate in any of the toy / gift / direct monetary donation options below, please speak / meet with Community Services Program Specialist, AnneMarie Karavas between Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm - 203-562-5129 ext. 1110.

 

TOY DROP EVENTS AND LOCATIONS 2021:
Contributions can be made to the Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive in several ways. This year, toys and gift cards may be dropped off at the Hamden Mart Parking Lot (Aldi's) Skiff St. entrance (2300 Dixwell Ave.) on December 4th, 11th and 18th between 10am-2pm. 

*DROP AND GO: STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE AND OPEN YOUR TRUNK - WE WILL GRAB WHAT YOUR BRING*


Toys may also be dropped at one of the following, official toy drop locations: 

  • Keefe Community Center (11 Pine St., Hamden 06514)
  • Hamden Public Library (2901 Dixwell Ave. 06518)
  • Hamden Government Center (2750 Dixwell Ave. 06518) or).
  • If you would like to donate toys, gift cards or monetary gifts directly to Keefe Center Community Services, please call AnneMarie Karavas at 203-562-5129 ext. 1110 to schedule a drop off.

ADOPT A FAMILY 2021:
A more individualized way to participate in the Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive is through the Hamden Community Services “Adopt a Family” program. By using wish-list style shopping guides provided by pre-registered families, you can provide a meaningful Holiday experience to Hamden children and parents who would appreciate it immensely. There is no minimum expectation as to what you can, or are willing to provide for the family. When buying for multiple children, please give equally. 

To participate in the Adopt a Family program: 

PRIVATE TOY COLLECTIONS AND DONATIONS 2021:
You may also choose to host a private Toy Drive event at your own home, office or other venue to collect gifts for the Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive. Please arrange to drop off any and all donations collected privately with AnneMarie Karavas – 203-562-5129 ext. 1110

PURCHASE AN ITEM DIRECTLY FROM THE TOY DRIVE AMAZON WISH LIST: 
https://www.amazon.com/registries/custom/32MPGJRHSBDNK/guest-view?ref=cm_sw_em_r_gr_un_ejc2DL9z0YtGz

Age Ranges for Donations:

Collecting all types of toys and gift cards for ages 0-12. Suggestions include: Any and all types of  craft and/or art kits, any kind of dolls - multicultural dolls are sought, illustrated board books, toy trucks, Lego kits for all ages, movie passes, any and all types of sports balls and sports equipment, ear buds / headphones, phone chargers, iTunes / Amazon / Gift cards, manicure / pedicure / personal grooming items for both boys and girls, remote control cars, instruments, writing/drawing/painting supplies, etc. 

Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive Downloadable Donation Guide

  1. 2021 Toy Drive drop off dates (PDF)
  2. Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive Donation Participation Guide_21 (PDF)
  3. Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive Donation Participation Guide_21_F (PDF)