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

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — 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 Basking Ridge.

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 Edison by Nick D'Andrea.

Last year locally, 458,175 toys were distributed to 62,000 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 Basking Ridge:

Lord Stirling Stables Winter Festival - On Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Stable at Lord Stirling Park at 256 S Maple Ave., Basking Ridge. The event includes:

• Pony Rides: Children of all ages 10 and under weighing less than 95lbs. can enjoy a delightful pony ride. *(Available with Toys For Tots Toy Donation)
• Hot Cocoa: Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa while enjoying the stable grounds.
• Crafts: Kids can unleash their creativity with a variety of holiday-themed crafts.
• Hayrides: Winter themed hayrides will take you through the magical trails of Lord Stirling Park. *( Available with Toy Donation)
• Visits with Santa: Santa Claus will be on hand to spread holiday cheer and take photos with children and families, making it the perfect opportunity for a festive family portrait.

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.

Other toy drives in the Basking Ridge area include:

Connor's Crew Toy Drive - Connor passed in 2018, at the time was a 4th grader at Liberty Corner School. His kindness and desire to help others was evident to everyone who knew him. His family hosts this toy drive every year to carry on Connor’s kindness to local kids and CHOP where Connor passed. Donations accepted until Dec. 20. Drop off locations: Fitness Together, 44 S Finley Ave., Basking Ridge; Connor's Family, 37 Potamac Drive, Basking Ridge; and Foxy Salon and Spa, 413 King George Road, Basking Ridge.

Holiday Hope, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Basking Ridge dedicated to helping underprivileged children, is calling on individuals, businesses, and organizations across New Jersey to join its 2025 holiday campaign.

By sponsoring a child, or hosting a “Giving Tree,” the community has the opportunity to bring love, dignity and joy to children who might otherwise go without this holiday season. Donations are also welcome. For more information, click here.

Bridgewater Veterinary Hospital - Through Dec. 17 at 830 US-202/206 N, Bridgewater.

Huntington Learning Center (676 Route 202-206 North, Bridgewater, NJ,) - Collecting unwrapped toys for needy children.

Iron Peak Sports & Events - Drop off new, unwrapped toys in the lobby donation box. 137 Mountain View Road, Hillsborough.

The Salty Moon is participating in Toys for Tots this holiday season. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. 390 Amwell Rd, Suite 508, Hillsborough.