Toy Drives In Petaluma: How To Make The Holidays Merry For Everyone

PETALUMA, CA — While you’re checking off holiday gifts for family members, don’t forget the kids who aren’t on anyone’s shopping list and pick up some items for toy drives in Petaluma.

One of the most well-known toy drives is the Toys for Tots campaign, led by the Marine Corps Reserves. Since 1947, Toys for Tots drives across the country have collected 708 million toys that were distributed to 314 million children.

Toys for Tots is organized locally in Petaluma by the Santa Rosa Marine Corps League Detachment #686.

Last year in Sonoma County, 23,203 toys were distributed to 8,449 children who might not otherwise have gotten any Christmas gifts

Besides dropping off new, unwrapped toys at several drop-off locations, people who want to support the campaign can also donate online. Here’s what you need to know in Petaluma:

Toys can be dropped off at more than a dozen locations during regular business hours in Petaluma.

Financial donations can be mailed to Toys For Tots, C/O Marine Corps League #686, Santa Rosa Vets Building, 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS-recognized nonprofit public charity created in 1991, uses 97 percent of every donation to buy toys for children in need.

More toy drives in Petaluma include:

• Petaluma People Services Center: drop off gifts at the Cavanaugh Community Center, 426 8th St. 4-7 p.m.on Dec. 18 and 8:30-10 a.m. on Dec. 19.
• The Petaluma Police Department: accepting new, unwrapped toys on behalf of the Petaluma People Services Center until Dec. 17.
• The Petaluma Fire Department: collecting new, unwrapped toys at fire stations until Dec. 14.
• Keller Street CoWork: Hosting a teen gift drive for PPSC until mid-December for new, unwrapped gifts.

Look for bins stations in Petaluma shops, wineries, and tasting rooms accepting donations. (Businesses or organizations interested in donating or collecting gifts for Petaluma People Services Center can sign up here.

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office is also collecting new, unwrapped toys for children and teens, and accepting food donations to support local families in need. Donations go to the Salvation Army, R-Hoops and other local organizations.