The holiday season is a time of extending hospitality to those in need and local communities coming together to spread joy. One way to help others during the holidays is by donating to toy drives. Toy drives can help bring a small bit of enjoyment and wonder to many children, regardless of their family circumstances or financial situation.

For those looking to lend a helping hand this holiday season, here’s a list of local toy drives in the Denver metro area this holiday season:

Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver

What: New and unwrapped toys that will appeal to children ranging from the ages of 5 to 18. Please consider donating gifts that our teenage members will enjoy — like art supplies, sports equipment, gift cards, or electronics. Click here to see their wish list

Where: King Soopers: Toy bins will be located at the storefront of more than 100 participating King Soopers or Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver main office: 2017 W. 9th Ave, Denver, 80204. (between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Please call ahead of time at 303-892-9200)

When: Donations accepted from Friday, Nov. 24 to Sunday, Dec. 24.

Toys for Tots

What: According to the organization, Toys for Tots began as a Los Angeles charitable effort in 1947. Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, was inspired by his wife Diane when she tried to donate a homemade Raggedy Ann doll to a needy child but couldn’t find any organization to do so. At her suggestion, he gathered a group of local Marine reservists, including Lt. Col. John Hampton. They coordinated and collected some 5,000 toys for local children that year from collection bins placed outside Warner Bros. movie theaters. Their efforts were so successful that, in 1948, Toys for Tots was launched as a national campaign.

In 1991, the Secretary of Defense authorized the creation and affiliation with the non-profit charity foundation. In 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve.

Where: You can find a donation location within your zip code by using their website tool.

When: Their final local event will be held from 1-6 p.m. Dec. 16 at The Platte River Bar & Grille at 5995 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.

Denver Santa Claus Shop

What: Denver Santa Claus Shop (DSCS) is a nonprofit organization that collects and gives families the opportunity to shop for free toys each December. A non-denominational, all-volunteer-run organization, DSCS’s mission is “A Toy for Every Girl & Boy”.

Where: Various locations throughout metro Denver including select Denver Mattress, Credit Union of Colorado, and Larry H. Miller dealerships, as well as the Dirty Duck Bar. There are also options to make a monetary donation or purchase a toy online via Amazon through their website.

When: December 8, 9, 11, and 12. Eligible families can register to sign-up for the shop.

Mile High United Way — Children’s Holiday Party

What: Thanks to generous donations from individuals and community partners, Mile High United Way provides a toy store every year where parents can select new gifts for their children. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa and engage in holiday-themed activities. At the end of the day, families will leave with great holiday memories, treasured homemade keepsakes, and wrapped gifts. Help Mile High United Way reach its goal of serving 1,000 children this year.

• Where: Participants can purchase a toy via their Amazon wish list, send a monetary donation, or sign up to volunteer.

When: Donations accepted through

Dec. 11

City of Denver — Holiday Gift Drive for Migrant Children

What: The City and County of Denver on Monday announced it will hold a holiday gift drive for migrant children staying in its shelter system. Denver is currently sheltering 2,600 people, many of whom are children.

Migrant families remain in transition and gifts should be easily transportable. Those who prefer to shop online may do so through our Amazon Wish List. Items sent through Amazon should be mailed to the Montbello location and purchased by Dec. 15 to ensure timely arrival.

Gifts should cost no more than $25 to ensure equity and will be distributed in the days leading up to Christmas.

Where: New and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at either of two Denver Workforce Centers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays only.

The centers are located inside the Arie P. Taylor Municipal Building at 4685 Peoria St., Suite 251 in Montbello, and downtown in the atrium of the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building at 201 W. Colfax Ave.

When: Donations accepted through Dec. 18

Children’s Hospital

What: Children’s Hospital accepts in-kind donations throughout the year. According to hospital officials, they rely on donations of new toys, books, stuffed animals, craft materials and other gifts throughout the year, not just during the holidays. They keep them in the many playrooms throughout the hospital to help children and families feel at home. Therapists and child life specialists use these donations as part of a child’s treatment plan.

For complete information, including donation guidelines, visit their website.

Where: Children’s Hospital campus locations in Broomfield, Highlands Ranch, Aurora and Colorado Springs.

When: Donations accepted yearround