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

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, 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 and around South Brunswick.

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 was organized locally in South Brunswick by Hermann Services.

Last year in nearby Edison, 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.

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 and around South Brunswick include:

• South Brunswick Holiday Program: Each year, over 200 businesses, schools, non-profit groups and citizens donate money, food and toys to those in need. For those who would like to donate, you can call Jeanne Wert at 732-329-4000 ext. 7674.
• Middlesex Holiday Drive: Through Dec. 19, this drive is collecting new toys, books, coats, gift cards and monetary donations for those in need.
• Virtual Toy Drive: Through Dec. 31, this virtual toy drive is benefiting the Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. Support of the virtual toy drive enables staff to buy toys and items for holiday celebrations, as well as play therapy games and activities, and other milestones like birthday and post-treatment parties.
• Edison Toys For Tots: The Edison Police Department will be collecting new and unused toys for newborns to 17-year-olds now through Dec. 17.