Before you get caught up in the holiday rush, take some time to spread a little cheer to the kids (and pets) who need it most. Below you’ll find a round up of local toy drives/events in Jersey City (and one in Hoboken) looking for some extra help this holiday season. Even the smallest gift can make a big impact — plus, you’ll feel better too.
Updated 12/8: FeedJC
Who: Smile Pre-School & Nursery
Deadline: Wednesday, December 7
Where: Smile Pre-School & Nursery is accepting donations for its holiday toy drive. The toys will be handed out during the Tree/Menorah Lighting at the Pedestrian Plaza this Thursday. Donations can be brought directly to the pre-school (273 First Street off Jersey Avenue) and should be appropriate for children under 12 years of age.
Who: Jersey City Ties
Deadline: Saturday, December 10
Where: Jersey City Ties will host its 6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive & Happy Hour on Saturday, December 10, beginning at 2pm at Lucky 7 Tavern. The event will benefit members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County. Attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift card appropriate for children ages 5-17 years old. Monetary donations will also be accepted and matched by Jersey City Ties up to $300.
Who: Jersey City’s 20th Annual Toy Drive
When: Monday, December 12
Where: Through December 12, you can make toy donations to help local families in need. Toys can be dropped off at the Resident Response Center at City Hall.
Who: Liberty Harbor & Jersey City Fire Dept. Toy Drive
Deadline: Wednesday, December 14
Where: Liberty Harbor and the JCFD are teaming up to bring holiday toys to local children in need. Gifts can be dropped off with the concierges at 9 Regent, 30 Regent, or 50 Regent. Only new toys will be accepted please. Alternatively, you can drop off gifts during the Liberty Harbor Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 14 at 50 Regent Observatory.
Who: The Grind Shop Coffee & The Jersey City Anti Violence Coalition
Deadline: Friday, December 16
Where: New toys for boys and girls ages 0 – 12 years old can be dropped off at both Grind Shop Coffee locations at 360 Communipaw Avenue or at the Baker Building at 234 Suydam Avenue.
Who: Pictures with Santa & Toy Drive at Bambino Chef
When: Sunday, December 18
Where: Bambino Chef will be hosting a variety of children’s events this month, including a Toy/Food drive with Santa on Sunday, December 18.
Who: Roflcopter
Where: Purchase any toy for a local toy drive at the Roflcopter shop (298 Newark Avenue) and Roflcopter will donate a Melissa & Doug Activity Pad for free.
Who: FeedJC
Where: FeedJC is looking for JC residents to donate new or gently used winter clothes to help keep everyone warm this winter season. Donations can be dropped off at Base NJ, Whealth Cafe at Harborside, O’Leary’s, Light Rail Cafe, or Garden Steaks.
Pets
Who: Live Like Poh Fund
Where: The Live Like Poh Fund is a special fund started by Jersey City residents Thomas Neil Rodriguez and his wife Yuko in honor of their dog Poh. The fund is intended to help pet parents provide veterinary care for their senior dogs. All proceeds from sales benefit New York’s Animal Medical Center.
Who: Presents for Shelter Pups
Where: The Walking Dog Petcare and Bachata & Barbells have teamed up to raise blankets, pillows, toys, training pads, and food for shelter pups at the New York Bully Crew and Liberty Humane Society. There will be drop-off locations throughout Hoboken.
Know of a local toy drive not included? Leave a comment and we’ll update the list.
(Image: Westport Mag)
