Want to help Triangle kids have a happy holidays? Here’s where you can donate toys.
As Christmas nears, children are drafting gift wish lists filled with toys and other goodies.
But for some families, the holidays are a season of financial worry. Delivering on those wishes can be challenging.
Multiple local government agencies and nonprofits throughout the Triangle are accepting donations to make sure that as many children as possible find gifts under the tree this Christmas.
If you’re looking to spread some cheer or share your own good fortunes with others this holiday season, here’s a guide with some places you can donate.
Salvation Army of Wake County Angel Tree
The Salvation Army of Wake County is collecting donations for its Angel Tree program, which allows people to “adopt” a child and their wish list to shop for.
There are several ways to participate:
▪ Adopt an angel online. The Salvation Army of Wake County offers an easy, online option to choose an angel. The website lists available children’s first names, ages and gender, Christmas wishes and other information to help you choose an angel and shop for them is there too.
- To select an angel online, visit bit.ly/3IFjV1O.
▪ Adopt an angel at Crabtree Valley Mall. If you want to select an angel and knock out the shopping portion all at once, you can visit the organization’s Angel Tree in-person at Crabtree Valley Mall.
- The Angel Tree is located on the lower level of the mall, next to the Lego store, by the Kanki entrance.
- The Angel Tree is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. The last day to select an angel at the mall is Saturday, Dec. 11.
▪ Donate money to the Angel Tree program. The Salvation Army of Wake County offers an online donation link where you can contribute money. You can choose a pre-selected donation amount or a custom amount. You can also choose to make the donation a one-time or monthly contribution.
- Donate online at bit.ly/3pKnBGL.
▪ Use the program’s Walmart Registry for Good. If you are unable to adopt a specific angel this year, you can donate to the Wake County Angel Tree program through the organization’s Walmart registry. Donation options include gift cards, shoes and toys.
- Visit the registry at bit.ly/3lTPefz.
The deadline to turn in gifts for The Salvation Army of Wake County’s Angel Tree program depends on when and where you selected your angel. You will be given a “due date” when you select your angel.
Gifts can be dropped off at the following locations:
▪ Angel Tree Christmas Center Warehouse at 350 E. Six Forks Road, Raleigh. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
▪ The Salvation Army Judy D. Zelnak Center of Hope at 1863 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
▪ Crabtree Valley Mall, near Kanki restaurant. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The last day to drop off at this location is Saturday, Dec. 11.
For more information about The Salvation Army of Wake County’s Angel Tree Program, visit bit.ly/3lU8xFy.
Durham Rescue Mission
Durham Rescue Mission, Durham’s oldest and largest long-term homeless shelter, is collecting toys for its annual Christmas Toy Giveaway and Community Dinner.
The toy giveaway program will happen just before Christmas, but toys are being accepted until Dec. 16.
The organization is asking for specific items, including:
- Legos
- Nerf guns
- Barbie dolls
- Drones
- Dress up and makeup kits
- Board games
- Action figures
- Scooters
- Remote control cars
- Nintendo games
- Tie-dye kits
To donate to the program and schedule a drop-off, contact Durham Rescue Mission in the following ways:
▪ Email volunteer@durhamrescuemission.org.
▪ Call 919-688-9641, extension 5025.
▪ Mail donations to Lenny Sutherland, Durham Rescue Mission volunteer coordinator, at 1201 E. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701.
Additional items that Durham Rescue Mission is requesting, along with more information about the program, can be found at durhamrescuemission.org/christmasevent.
Orange County Toy Chest
The Orange County Department of Social Services annually offers a Toy Chest program to provide new toys to each eligible child in Orange County.
The county provides a list of gift ideas, including:
- Dolls
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Bikes with helmets
- Sports equipment, such as soccer balls and basketballs
- Toy cars
- Building blocks
- Clothing, including coats
- Gift cards in $15 denominations
- Diapers and wipes
- Blankets
Donations should be new, age-appropriate and unwrapped.
You can drop off your donations to either Orange County Department of Social Services office:
▪ 113 Mayo Street in Hillsborough
▪ 2501 Homestead Road in Chapel Hill
Drop-off hours at both locations are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
▪ Donations will be collected through Dec. 14.
▪ The department asks you to hand any gift cards directly to a staff member.
▪ Donations are tax-deductible, but make sure to leave your name and address with your donation so that you can get a receipt.
Donations of money and physical toys are also being collected online:
▪ To donate money to the Orange County Toy Chest, visit the county’s Toys for Tots website. Click “Donate Online,” then select your local campaign designation as “NC-Hillsborough.”
▪ To donate toys to the Toy Chest, you can use the department’s online registry. Toys can be purchased and donated on the registry until Dec. 17.
For more information about the Orange County Toy Chest, visit orangecountync.gov/654/Donate-Toys.
Wake County Toys for Tots
This story was originally published December 11, 2021 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Want to help Triangle kids have a happy holidays? Here’s where you can donate toys.."
