Here are 5 Christmas toy drives in Charlotte that are now accepting donations

The holidays can be a tough time for families in the Charlotte area who can’t afford gifts to celebrate Christmas with their children.

But toy drives historically have provided an opportunity for kids to have their wishes fulfilled. If you’re in a giving mood this holiday season, here are four organizations to donate toys this year.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Toys for Tots

After donating nearly 20,000 toys to more than 10,000 children in Charlotte in 2021, Toys for Tots is back.

You can find a list of public toy drop-off locations on the Toys for Tots website. Donations can also be made online.

For more information, email Toys for Tots at charlotte.nc@toysfortots.org.

CMPD Explorer Christmas Project

For nearly half a century, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has partnered with various community organizations to make Christmas special for families in Charlotte by providing them with toys.

CMPD asks that toys be for children between 0-14 years old, non-violent and unwrapped.

Toys can be dropped off at any Charlotte fire station or CMPD division office.

Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital

Toys donated to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital are used to celebrate holidays, birthdays and more.

Gifts can be purchased from the hospital’s baby registry by searching for the first name “Hemby” and last name “Children’s.”

Donations can also be dropped off at the Belk House, 220 Hawthorne Ln., from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays.

All items donated to the hospital must be new, non-violent and non-religious in nature.

WCNC Magical Toy Drive

The Salvation Army is partnering with WCNC to collect toys for children of families experiencing poverty.

You can buy toys online, or drop off donations at any Belk store or Original Mattress Factory location through Dec. 16.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program

The annual program matches children in need with anonymous donors who buy them presents for Christmas. In cases where donors don’t step up, Charlotte Observer readers cover the expense by giving to the Empty Stocking Fund, which the Observer has sponsored since about 1920.

To donate online, visit EmptyStockingFundCLT.org. To donate by mail, send checks to: The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte, P.O. Box 31128, Charlotte, NC 28231.

Make checks payable to The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte and write “Empty Stocking Fund” in the memo line. Questions concerning your donation? Call 704-716-2769.