The holiday season is here, and the spirit of giving is shining brighter than ever. In Los Angeles, many families face challenges, especially during the holidays, and this Christmas, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. From toy drives to donation sites scattered across the city, there are countless ways to share the joy of the season with those who need it most. Some of these events are backed by notable figures, such as the iconic Foos Gone Wild hosting their own toy drive and the LAFD organizing their annual Spark of Love campaign — both bringing the community together for great causes. If you’re looking to donate gifts, time, or resources, this guide will help you find the best and most exciting toy drives to spread holiday love and make an impact on someones Christmas.
1. TDE Christmas Concert & Toy Drive
Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) is set to host its highly anticipated 11th Annual Christmas Concert & Toy Drive this Thursday, December 12, 2024 in Los Angeles. And this time, they’ve got very special guests — including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and so much more. You can read more about the TDE benefit concert here!
TDE Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
- Location: 11251 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA
- Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.
- Openers Perform: 1:00 p.m.
- Main Show Starts: 2:30 p.m
To gain entry, attendees are asked to bring a new unwrapped toy or other charitable donations, such as new clothing or shoes, which will benefit the Nickerson Gardens Housing Projects in Watts, California. This annual toy drive plays a vital role in bringing joy to those in need during the holiday season.
2. MarioChelada
MarioChelada is inviting the community out for a festive night of food, drinks, and giving back with their special toy drive supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Anaheim. Hosted by MarioChelada, Mario Lopez’s very own michelada brand — enjoy refreshing micheladas, delicious food, and great company, all while supporting a wonderful cause. Entrance is free with the donation of an unwrapped gift. This event is open to all, so bring your friends and family! To RSVP, simply DM the MarioChelada team. It’s a perfect opportunity to spread holiday cheer, give back to the community, and enjoy a fun evening with fellow supporters. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
🎁When: December 14, 2024 at 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
🎄 Location: Magdalena Kitchen & Bar, 2100 E Katella Ave #104, Anaheim, CA 92806
3. Foos Gone Wild & Knucklehead
It’s a Foo Christmas, and Foos Gone Wild is teaming up with the punk band Knuckleheadz for a sick ass toy drive in Boyle Heights at First Street Billiards! Bring a new, unopened toy and get in to the show for free. Enjoy a live performance by Knuckleheadz and more, along with a special appearance Lil Mr. E and a DJ set by Mr.Chino. See you there, Foos!
🎁When: December 21, 2024. Doors at 7 p.m.
🎄 Location: 1906 1st St, Los Angeles, CA
4. Christmas In The Park
Volunteers are needed for AD55’s Christmas in the Park event! Join them in helping wrap presents leading up to the event and assist with staffing the celebration itself — a toy and resource drive aimed at supporting families in need during the holiday season.
This year, the 4th Annual Christmas in the Park will bring together community partners to provide groceries, clothing, gifts for children, and other essential items to bring some relief to struggling families.
For volunteers participating on the 22nd, there will be a prep meeting on Wednesday, the 18th, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Present wrapping will take place next door to the park.
As for the day of the event on the 22nd, you can expect a fun, festive atmosphere with snacks, food, friendly faces, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer as we come together to support our community!
🎁When: Sunday, December 22, 2024 at11 a.m. — 2 p.m.
🎄 Location: Leimert Park Plaza, 4395 Leimert Boulevard Los Angeles, CA
5. Echo Park Comedy Show & Toy Drive
Join the Temple Grounds in Echo Park for a night of laughter and giving back! They’re hosting a stand-up comedy show and toy drive to support local families in need this holiday season. Entry is $20, but if you bring an unwrapped toy, your ticket is only $10! It’s a great deal for a great cause. The show will be hosted by the Johnny Roque and Jeremy Talamantes, who are bringing their comedic talents to the stage while collecting toys to make the holidays brighter for local children.
🎁When: December 19, 2024 at 8 — 10 p.m.
🎄 Location: Temple Grounds, 1650 West Temple Street Los Angeles, CA
6. Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive
Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive has been making holiday wishes come true for 32 years. While the program is sponsored by the Los Angeles Fire Department and ABC7 — its success is driven by the generosity of Angelenos like you! With your help, Spark of Love will continue to bring holiday joy to deserving children this season.
Supporting Spark of Love is simple and can be done in three ways:
- Drop off a new, unwrapped toy or sporting good at any Neighborhood Fire Station or local Subaru retailer.
- Text “SPARK” to 24365, and you’ll receive an instant reply with a secure link to make a credit card donation. This allows the most-needed toys to be purchased immediately and delivered efficiently to the Toy Central processing center.
- Mail a donation: Make your check payable to the LAFD Foundation, writing “SPARK OF LOVE” in the memo line, and send it to:
LAFD Foundation, 1700 Stadium Way #100, Los Angeles, CA 90012
7. Disney Ultimate Toy Drive & Toys For Tots
For decades, Disney has partnered with Toys for Tots to bring holiday joy to millions of children in need. This season, you can be part of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and help spread happiness. Donate a toy online now through December 24 by choosing from toys on the Disney store here — or you can donate a new, unwrapped toy in person at a drop-off location here. To learn more, visit Disney.com/ToyDrive.
🎁When: Now through December 24, 2024
8. The Children’s Hospital
If you’re unable to attend an event but still want to make a difference this holiday season, consider donating a gift through The Children’s Hospital Gift Registry. Your generous toy donations bring joy and comfort to young patients, making a world of difference to both them and their families. Every gift matters, and The Children’s Hospital appreciates your support. Click here to visit their registry and spread some holiday cheer!
9. Midnight Mission
This Christmas, The Midnight Mission is spreading hope and joy to thousands of individuals and families experiencing houselessness by hosting festive holiday meals and creating a magical Santa’s Toy Village for children in need. Children will be able to select toys and meet Santa Claus! This heartwarming tradition brings the community together as families eagerly line up, filled with excitement, to experience the magic.
How To Donate:
- In person: They are currently accepting toy donations at their facility until December 18, 2024, to ensure Santa’s Toy Village is fully stocked. While limited pick-up services are available on a first-come, first-served basis, please note that their staff is limited, and cannot guarantee pick-up availability.
- Online: You can check out The Midnight Mission’s online wish list to help make this holiday season unforgettable for those in need.
🎁When: Santa’s Toy Village event happens on December 22, 2024. Donations must be received by December 18, 2024.
🎄 Location: Midnight Mission, 601 S San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA