2025 Toy Drives in Watsonville: 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 Watsonville 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.

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

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

Monterey County Regional Fire District Holiday Toy Drive

🎁Looking for new, unwrapped toys to benefit Seneca Family of Agencies children.
📍Drop-off sites: All Monterey County fire stations.
📅November 28–December 24
📞/ 📧: Division Chief Justin Reyes 832 214 3256 or jreyes@mcrfd.org
🔗 More info: mcrfd.org/holiday-toy-drive

Watsonville Fire and Salvation Army

🎁Watsonville Fire, in partnership with the Watsonville Salvation Army, is seeking new, unwrapped toys for children and gift cards for teens.
📍Fire Administration Office (372 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA) or Fire Station 2 (370 Airport Blvd, Watsonville, CA)
📅 Now through Tuesday, December 16 | Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM
📞Questions/drop-off scheduling: 831-768-3200
🔗 More info: watsonville.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx

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