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

PRINCETON, 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 Princeton.

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 West Trenton by Sgt Andre Vasquez.

Last year locally, 16,298 toys were distributed to 4,921 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 Princeton:

Princeton Airport - Hosting a Fly It Forward and collecting canned goods and toys. 41 Airpark Rd, Princeton.

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 Princeton area include:

The Studio at Princeton Ave - Photos With Santa Toy Drive on Sunday, Dec. 14 at The Studio at Princeton Ave. Bring a new unwrapped toy or winter gear to donate our local families in need this holiday season! Ages 4-18. Stop by and say hi to Santa, shop local vendors, grab a cup of coffee from @cupheadcoffee truck & grab a donut donated by Lawrence Township FOP Lodge 209. To book a session and more information, click here.

Nomad Pizza Princeton - Pizza Exchange For Toys Presented by Hermann Cares. Nomad Pizza is giving back this holiday season! Bring one new, unwrapped toy and receive one whole pizza as a thank you. Saturday, Dec. 13 Locations: Nomad Pizza Lambertville, Nomad Pizza Hopewell, Nomad Pizza Princeton

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.

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.