How To Make The Holidays In Fredericksburg Merry For Everyone

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — 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 Fredericksburg 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.

Toys For Tots: Although Wednesday, Dec. 10 is the final day to drop off wrapped toys at Toys for Tots collection sites around Fredericksburg, members of the public can donate at the charity's local warehouse until Dec. 12. Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., the warehouse is located at 406 Howison Ave. in Fredericksburg. Monetary donations can also be made on the Toys for Tots website.

Feeding America: Thanks to match partner BoxLunch, every dollar donated to the Feeding America will help the charity to provide 20 meals to families facing hunger through its national network of food banks. The holiday match runs until Dec. 31.

Fredericksburg Orthodontics Winter Coat Drive: Donate new or gently used codes for those in need at Fredericksburg Orthodontics, which is located at 10618 Spotsylvania Ave.

Gifts From Angels 28th Annual Rappahannock Model Train Show: Gifts for Angels will be hosting a toy drive during the annual model train show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Come and enjoy train displays, a Kidszone with activities, vendors, and Santa will be there. The event takes place at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #4123, 21 Cool Spring Road in Fredericksburg.