This year, spreading a bit of holiday cheer seems more crucial than ever. Some local organizations and nonprofits are now accepting toy donations and other goods for their annual drives that will directly benefit Long Beach youth this holiday season.

SALVATION ARMY RESCUE CHRISTMAS

Donations to the Salvation Army will help make the holidays better for 500-600 Long Beach families. Items listed below can be dropped off at a COVID-safe drive thru on Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at 3000 Long Beach Blvd.

Needs list:

  • Gift cards for $10 and $20 to retail or grocery stores
  • Holiday shelf-stable food items (stuffing mix, cranberries, boxed mashed potatoes, canned veggies, cake mixes)
  • Unwrapped gifts for boys and girls 9-12 years old such as:
  • Arts and crafts items
  • Science experiment kits
  • Make-up/nail polish kits for middle school girls
  • Legos
  • Nerf guns/toys

SPARK OF LOVE

The Long Beach Fire Department’s annual Spark of Love toy drive is now accepting donations that will benefit 400 families and more than 20 different youth-based community groups. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any of your local fire stations, or make a cash donation online by clicking here.

To reduce contact, the LBFD has set up designated boxes in front of stations for guests to leave toys. LBFD asks that those who donate in-person follow health and safety protocols by wearing a mask and maintaining a six-foot distance from others.

DIAMOND CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY

For their 10th anniversary, The Local Hearts Foundation, led by Tito Rodriguez—known as the Hood Santa—in partnership with skateboard company, Diamond Supply, are working to raise $50,000 to purchase toys to be given out at their annual toy drive event in MacArthur Park Saturday, Dec. 19. To donate directly through PayPal, click here.

Local Hearts Foundation is also accepting toys for the drive, those who would like to drop off a new, unwrapped toy can find donation bins at the Smart and Final in Cambodia Town (1320 Atlantic Ave.) or at the Grocery Outlet in North Alamitos Beach (1340 E 7th St.)

HIS LITTLE FEET

This Christmas season community nonprofit, His Little Feet, is seeking monetary donations that will benefit 50 children at Precious Lamb Preschool with new shoes, socks and a Christmas toy. To donate or for more information, click here.

FAIRFIELD YMCA

Fairfield YMCA is hosting a drop-off toy drive Saturday, Dec. 5 from 12 to 3 p.m. Participants can drive up to The Grand Long Beach (4101 E. Willow St.) event center and drop off toys, clothing and other gifts that will directly benefit infants, children and teens in the North Long Beach area. The first 300 cars to arrive with donations will take home a “treat box” courtesy of The Grand.

For more information visit Fairfield YMCA’s Facebook event page, here.

“THE CHILD” FOR A CHILD

Due to COVID-19, Yuri Williams of A Future Superhero and Friends is unable to dress-up like Deadpool or Spiderman and visit children’s hospitals with toys for Christmas. Still wanting to spread a bit of cheer, Williams is seeking $2,250 he’ll use to purchase 100 The Child/Baby  Yoda toys from The Mandalorian for children with disabilities, special needs as well as those battling illnesses in the hospital.

Williams has a GOFUNDME for the campaign, which you can find here.

THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE LONG BEACH

This year, the nonprofit Ronald McDonald House is seeking toy donations that will benefit families in the Long Beach area. Those interested can browse their online gift registry to purchase a gift, use the registry as inspiration to shop on their own or make a cash donation where LBRMH will do the shopping for you. Also on the registry are items for their 23-room facility that provides a home away from home for families with critically ill children.

LBRMH, located at 500 E 27th St, is now accepting donations but requests that those coming in-person call in advance to notify arrival. To reach LBRMH call (562) 285-4300. To view the registry or donate directly, click here.

This list is expanding, if we missed your event please send information to [email protected] and we’ll add you to the list.