7 Rhode Island Toy Drives You Can Support This Holiday Season

Via Getty Images/Cat Lane.

Children’s Wishes is accepting unwrapped donations for wish recipients ages two-and-a-half to eighteen years old, now through Dec. 15. Dolls, trucks, board games, crafts, sporting goods, puzzles, books, DVDs, $25 Amazon gift cards and more can be dropped off  between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Children’s Wishes office in Warwick. 2364 Post Rd., Suite 200, Warwick, childrens-wishes.org 

During the week of Dec. 18, the Rhode Island State Police will host its fifteenth annual toy drive to benefit at-risk communities in the Providence and Newport areas. In addition to toys, gift cards for Stop & Shop, Whole Foods, Amazon and other organizations will also be accepted. Drop-off locations include all state police barracks, all Cardi’s Furniture and Mattresses storefronts, the U.S. Attorney’s office and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s office. risp.ri.gov/community-programs

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center invites generous souls to contribute new and unwrapped toys and gift cards to its annual Santa’s Workshop by Wednesday, Dec. 13. The donations can be delivered to the center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will be distributed to Newport County families on Dec. 18 and 19. 20 Dr. Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, 846-4828, mlkccenter.org

What began as a company holiday party twenty-seven years ago has become one of the largest single-day toy drives in Rhode Island. On Dec. 9, For the Kids will host its annual toy drive at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The organization partners with local Marines, Angels of Action of West Warwick and the Dream Center in Cranston to distribute the new and unused donations to Toys for Tots and various Rhode Island-based charities. The family-friendly event will also feature photo-ops with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, crafts and refreshments. Crowne Plaza, 801 Greenwich Ave., Warwick; forthekidstoydrive.com

As part of the Tiverton Police’s annual Operation Blue Santa toy drive, colorful collection boxes will be placed at prominent businesses and locations — including the Boat House, George’s Gas and Service, Humphrey’s Building Supply, local banks and of course the station — now through Friday, Dec. 8, when the donations will be collected to be given to families in the East Bay region. On Saturday, Dec. 9, the department will follow up with its annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event outside of Tom’s Market from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Swing by to drop off your toy or gift card and stay awhile to enjoy a visit with Santa, holiday music, hot chocolate and more. facebook.com/tivertonripolice

The Middletown Police Department is holding its annual toy drive through Friday, Dec. 15. The department is seeking unwrapped gifts, gift cards or monetary donations, and drop boxes can be found at the Middletown station as well as various school buildings throughout the district. The department will also hold a Fill-the Cruiser event the weekend of Dec. 9 for families in need. facebook.com/middletownripd 

Looking for another way to give this season? Consider “adopting” a family through Children’s Friend and gifting them with something from their wish list. cfsri.org/holiday-drive-sponsor-a-family