The Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive is an annual Hamden tradition that has supported over 500 Hamden children and families in our communities through the holidays for over 15 years. The Toy Drive is made possible through the collaboration of Hamden Community Services, Hamden Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Wellness, Hamden Police Department, Hamden Fire Department, Hamden’s Community Emergency Response Team, and many dedicated and extremely generous Hamden residents.
The collection is for ages 0-12. Gift suggestions include dolls, trucks, Legos, movie passes, gift cards, soccer balls, basketballs, footballs, ear buds, headphones, phone chargers, iTunes cards, nail polish, craft kits, and remote-control cars.
Contributions can be made to the local Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive in several ways listed below.
Toy Drive Collection Events
Please come to the on the dates and times listed below to drop off a new, unwrapped toy or gift card donation for ages 0-12. This is a “drop and go” setup – you
can stay in your vehicle and open your trunk!
Hamden Mart Parking Lot
2300 Dixwell Avenue
Skiff St. Entrance (Aldi’s Side)
10AM-2PM
Saturdays, December 2nd, 9th, and 16th
Other Toy Drop Off Locations:
Toys can also be dropped off at a box in the lobby of one of the following official toy drop locations:
Hamden Public Library
2901 Dixwell Avenue
Monday & Tuesday, 9:30AM-8:00PM
Wednesday, 12:00PM-5:00PM
Thursday – Saturday, 9:30AM-5:00PM
Hamden Government Center
2750 Dixwell Avenue
Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM
Keefe Community Center
11 Pine Street with parking at 19 George Street
Monday-Friday, 9AM-4PM
If you would like to donate toys, gift cards or monetary gifts directly to Keefe Community Center, please contact Community Services Program Specialist AnneMarie Karavas at 203-562-5129 ext. 1113 to schedule a drop off.
Adopt A Family:
A more individualized way to participate in the Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive is through the Hamden Community Services “Adopt A Family” program. By using wish-list style shopping guides provided by pre-registered families, you can provide a meaningful holiday experience to Hamden children and parents who would appreciate it immensely.
To participate in the “Adopt A Family” program:
- Please click here to fill out the form online;
- Please click here to download the form;
- Or speak with Community Services Program Specialist, AnneMarie Karavas at 203-562-5129 ext. 1113.
Private Toy Collections and Donations:
You may also choose to host a private Toy Drive event at your own home, office or other venue to collect gifts for the Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive. Please arrange to drop off
all donations collected privately with Community Services Program Specialist AnneMarie Karavas, 203-562-5129 ext. 1113.
Contact Information:
To participate in any of the local Hamden Kids Holiday Toy Drive options above, and for further information, please contact Community Services Program Specialist AnneMarie Karavas, at (203) 562-5129 ext. 1113 or by email at akaravas@hamden.com.