How to Find a Toy Drive Near You This Christmas
Find nearby toy drop-offs, Angel Tree sites and Santa letter adoptions using ZIP tools and 211 help.
To find a toy drive near you this Christmas, search the Toys for Tots locator by state and county. You can also dial 211 for referrals or enter your ZIP code for Angel Tree help. A toy drive collects new toys at local drop locations and gives them to children for the holidays.
Some programs also let you host a collection, volunteer at a warehouse or adopt a wish list.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 04, 2026.
Locate a Toys for Tots drop site
According to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, donors can use an interactive map to pick a state and then a county or city. The selection redirects to the local community site with coordinator contact and drop-off details. You can take part in three ways.
Leave a new toy at an area drop location, host a collection event at home, work or another venue, or volunteer at the local warehouse.
- Pick your state, county or city in the locator
- Note the coordinator contact and drop hours
- Bring an unwrapped toy to the listed site
Check Angel Tree help by ZIP code
According to The Salvation Army, families seeking Christmas help start at SAAngelTree.org by entering a ZIP code on the Angel Tree application site. If the site says the area is not served there, contact the local Salvation Army for other application routes. Angel Tree registers accepted children or seniors as Angels and shares only first name and wish list with donors.
Donors buy new clothing and toys, then the program distributes gifts for families to place under their tree. Applicants may need photo ID, proof of residence such as a lease or utility bill, plus each child's birth certificate or custody papers, clothing and shoe sizes and toy wishes.
Adopt wishes through Operation Santa
According to the U.S. Postal Service, verified adopters can browse children's letters and adopt up to 20 letters solo or team up to adopt a whole household, as explained in the how-to-adopt guide. Gifts can be fulfilled through an online catalog or Post Office shipment.
For the 2026 cycle, letters must be postmarked by Dec. 5. Adoption runs Nov.
16 to Dec. 12 with new letters added daily. Ship gifts by Dec.
12 for expected Dec. 25 delivery.
Ask 211 for nearby holiday options
According to United Way and 211, people needing a nearby toy drive can dial 211 for free, confidential referral any hour, described on the About 211 page. More than 200 U.S. 211 agencies handle over 13 million requests yearly for food, housing, health and holiday help.
Have your ZIP code and ages of children ready when you call. Ask specifically about toy drives, Angel Tree sign-ups and other Christmas gift programs. Write down deadlines, pickup points and papers to bring.