Imagine finding nothing in your Christmas stocking — not even a lump of coal! — and not a single wrapped box under the tree. Several organizations in the state are collecting toys and other presents to prevent this from happening to thousands of children, some of whom may have never received a gift before.
The annual “Holiday of Hope” program needs community support to provide gifts for around 2,000 children. The program is run by the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC), which works with children who have faced abuse, the program’s website shares.
“The holidays can be a difficult time, especially for children living in the aftermath of criminal child abuse,” the DCAC website states. “Each year, DCAC brings a smile to thousands of our client’s faces when we provide them with gifts and toys through our annual Holiday of Hope program. This year we anticipate serving nearly 2,000 children through Holiday of Hope. Each child will receive a reading book, a fuzzy blanket, and 3-4 age-appropriate gifts.”
Ideas for gifts are broken into different age ranges on the program page. For infants or toddlers, a gift could be building blocks, stuffed animals, Disney toys, or learning toys. Kids from ages 3 to 8 might enjoy Barbie dolls, cars, storybooks, legos, or riding toys.
For ages 9 to 12, which is considered pre-teen on the organization’s website, gift ideas include gift cards, NERF toys, journals, arts and crafts sets, or drone toys. The oldest category is teens, ages 13 to 17, and they may enjoy sports equipment, scooters, hair tools, sketch pads, or jewelry.
To host a Holiday of Hope toy drive, go here. To donate, go here. And to see wish lists and requested toy lists, go here. When wish list items are purchased, they will be sent directly to the DCAC location in Dallas. Donations can also be taken directly to the center. The last day to donate as part of the Holiday of Hope toy drive is December 10, according to the Target wish list.
The Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center is located at 5351 Samuell Blvd.
Community Partners of Dallas (CPD) is also hosting “Toy Drive 2022” this holiday season, according to the organization’s website. The 2022 drive will benefit thousands of children in Dallas County.
“Can you imagine a child who didn’t bother wishing for anything special for the holidays because they’d never received a gift before?” the website asks. “This year, we will grant wishes for thousands of Dallas County’s abused and neglected children. For some, it may be the first time they have ever received a present. For all, it will be a time that makes them feel special, and one that they will remember. You can participate by filling wishes for specific children or by buying toys for our undesignated drive (virtually or to be delivered in-person).”
Those who want to participate in these initiatives can make a monetary donation, arrange their own toy drive, or buy specific gifts requested by children. Businesses also have the option of becoming Toy Drive 2022 sponsors.
All wishes and toys are due back by Friday, December 9 at 1 p.m. to the CPD Toy Drive Warehouse (7950 Elmbrook Dr).
To find out about more area toy drives, go here.
