The countdown to Christmas is on and the big day will be here before you know it. Many local businesses and charitable organizations are joining forces to make the season merry and bright for those in need. Lots of Southwest Florida events have food and toy drives attached to them. We've put together a list of places from Naples to Cape Coral where you can donate toys in Southwest Florida for the holidays
Donate toys in Southwest Florida
Toys For Tots is one of the biggest donation operations in Southwest Florida. They take items directly and online. However, they also get lots of donations from businesses and organizations that put on their own drives.. To ask for help, fill out a form on the charity's website. Toys For Tots is just one of many organizations with a mission this time of year to take care of the underserved and those who need a little help during the holiday season.
There are all kinds of opportunities for you to give during the holidays. Keep in mind, giving is not limited to the financial realm. You can also give your time and expertise. Charitable organizations always need volunteers. Donating hours instead of dollars is also very valuable not just this time of year but all year long.
In the meantime, here are a few places where you can donate toys for the holidays in Southwest Florida. We will continue to update this list so if you have a drive you would like us to know about, please send them here so we can share.
Cape Coral Fire Department
The Cape Coral Fire Department's Annual Toy Drive is underway now through December 14th. The toys collected here go to special needs kids, those in foster care, suffering from illness and others in need. Besides toys, they are collecting hygiene items as well as gifts for teenagers. More info here. Station locations:
Station 1 - 4610 Coronado Parkway
Station 2 - 521 Nicholas Parkway
Station 3 - 1627 Everest Parkway
Station 4 - 2007 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Station 5 - 1029 Diplomat Parkway
Station 6 - 4540 Chiquita Boulevard
Station 7 - 3942 Burnt Store Road
Station 8 - 707 SW 1st Street
Station 9 - 4107 Pelican Boulevard
Station 10 - 3623 Gator Circle
Station 11 - 1038 Burnt Store Road
Station 12 - 2129 Chiquita Boulevard
City Hall located at 1015 Cultural Park Boulevard
Operation Fill A Patrol Car
Operation Fill-A-Patrol Car is underway with the Naples Police Department. Now through December 14th they are collecting new, unwrapped toys. Your donations will be delivered to Project HELP, Inc.
Turn Up 4 Toys
This toy drive benefits children and families that the Salvation Army Fort Myers serves. It's December 8th at WalMart in Estero to make shopping and donating easy. The event is from 6-10am with B103.9. More info here.
FYZICAL Therapy 2nd Annual Holiday Gift Drive
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers is hosting a toy and gift drive to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County. Drop off unwrapped toys, sporting goods, games and even gift cards. The drive is underway now but wraps up on November 30th. Make donations at all three FYZICAL locations in Lee and Collier County.
- FYZICAL North Fort Myers - 16251 N. Cleveland Ave. #3, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
- FYZICAL East Fort Myers - 10676 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33913
- FYZICAL Northeast Naples - 7740 Preserve Ln. #5, Naples, FL 34119
More info here.
Giving Tree
This is not a toy drive but we felt compelled to list it here. This drive benefits seniors in Southwest Florida. The annual event is a partnership with NBC2 and local Ford Dealer's. They have provided more than 100,000 SWFL seniors with gifts for the holidays. Pick up a tag from a tree at one of the dealerships, shop for the items, then return the gift by Friday, December 15th, More info and participating dealerships here.
