2025 Toy Drives In Santa Cruz: Where To Donate

The holiday season is filled with joy, lights and celebration — but for some families, it can also bring stress and financial strain. Thankfully, communities like ours step up each year to help make the season brighter for every child.

Here are some places in and around Santa Cruz where you can donate toys, gift cards or holiday essentials to support kids and families in need this year. Be sure to reach out directly to each organization to confirm drop-off hours, deadlines and specific items they’re requesting — most drives ask for new, unwrapped gifts.

Winter on the Wharf – Santa Cruz

🎁 Accepts new, unwrapped toys and canned food items.
📍 Santa Cruz Wharf Commons, 55 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, 2 p.m.–5 p.m.
📌 Sponsored by Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation, Police, and Fire Departments; toys benefit Toys for Tots & Second Harvest Food Bank.
🔗 More info: santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Parks-Recreation/Winter-on-the-Wharf

Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County – Adopt-a-Family

🎁 Accepts toys, grocery gift cards and essentials for families in need.
📍 Drop-off location: Capitola Mall | 4015 Capitola Rd, Capitola, CA
📅 Donation hours:

• Dec. 6-7 | 12–6 p.m.
• Dec. 10 | 12–6 p.m.
• Dec. 11-14 | 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

📞 Questions: 831-457-9834
🔗 More info: scvolunteercenter.org/programs/adopt-a-family/stars-program

Watsonville Fire Department Annual Toy & Gift Drive

🎁 Collects new toys for children and gift cards for teens.
📍 Fire Administration Office, 372 Airport Boulevard, Watsonville, CA; also Fire Station 2 at 370 Airport Boulevard.
📅 Nov. 5 – Dec. 16, 2025, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
📌 In partnership with the Watsonville Salvation Army, serving more than 400 local families this season. Donations can also be made through the Red Kettle Campaign starting November 15 at Nob Hill and Grocery Outlet.
📞 831-768-3200
🔗 More info: publicnow.com/view/833FB90FF4E413A96FFB3E710E4E09F9E643BF4C?1762400884

CHiPs for Kids Toy Drive

🎁 Collects new, unwrapped toys for children and teens in need.
📍 Drop‑off location: California Highway Patrol offices and partner sites across Santa Cruz County; see website for a list of participating sites.
📅 Holiday Season 2025; see website for live events and hours.
📌 Long‑running statewide program organized by the California Highway Patrol in partnership with CBS; toys are distributed locally to families before Christmas.
📞 CHP Capitola Office: (831) 662‑0511
🔗 More info: cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/chips-for-kids-toy-drive-kicks-off-for-2025-holiday-season

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.