Giving Back This Holiday Season in the Upstate
As the festive season rolls in, there’s a lovely spirit of giving blooming all around Greenville and the Upstate. If you’re looking to spread some holiday cheer, you’ll be happy to know there are numerous opportunities for you to do just that. From toy drives to special events, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and share some love with those in need!
Carolina Family Service’s Holiday Giving Toy Store
Kicking off our list is the wonderful initiative by Carolina Family Service located at 17 Memorial Medical Drive in Greenville. They’ve set up a Holiday Giving Toy Store! This is your chance to donate toys, gifts for all ages, gift cards, crafting kits, and sporting equipment. They want to make sure families in need have a memorable holiday season. The store is open for donations from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. So, swing by when you can – just remember, they’re closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!
Leo Santa’s Toy Drive
Next up is the super fun Leo Santa’s Toy Drive happening at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on December 5. Starting bright and early at 6 a.m. on Thursday, you can drive through and drop off brand-new, unwrapped gifts suitable for children from newborns up to 12 years old. If you stop by between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursday, you can park and join in on the fun! You’ll have a chance to admire first responder vehicles, make holiday crafts, and even snap a photo with Santa!
Fast and Loud Toy Drive
The Fast and Loud Toy Drive hosted by the A Bountiful Hand Foundation is set for Saturday, December 21 at 1 p.m. at 505 White Horse Road, Greenville. You can bring along toys, games, bikes, shoes, coats, and even some sweet treats! It’s all happening at the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, so mark your calendars!
Christmas Hope Toy Drive
Another great place to drop off toys is the Christmas Hope Toy Drive, organized by Kid Kitchen. They’re collecting gifts through December 7 at 1601 W Blue Ridge Drive. They are looking for new, unwrapped toys for little ones up to age 14. Think large teddy bears, puzzles, dolls, and all sorts of fun art sets. You can even swing by there on Sundays between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. if that works better for you!
Toys for Tots
Over in Spartanburg, the EMS at 525 Union Street is hosting a toy drive for the beloved Toys for Tots charity. To contribute, just bring an unwrapped toy to their headquarters by December 10. And here’s a little extra incentive: Spartanburg Honda will give you a raffle ticket for a chance to win a cool Honda Motocompacto for every toy you donate!
A Christmas Tradition
There’s also a Christmas Toy Drive happening through December 9! You can drop off your donations at various locations, including the Heli-Plan Aviation Group on Michelin Blvd and Cycle Specialties Performance on Wade Hampton Blvd in Taylors. Your contributions will light up someone’s holiday this season.
Special Toy Drives for Hurricane Relief
This year has seen its share of challenges, especially for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Logan’s Roadhouse on 3402 Clemson Blvd in Anderson is collecting gifts to help families affected in North Carolina. Make sure you drop off your new, unwrapped toys by December 8! Similarly, Clemson RV Park is also accepting toys to benefit Asheville children affected by the same storm. They’re open for donations Thursday through Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
No Angel Left Behind Program
Lastly, don’t miss out on the No Angel Left Behind program run by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. You can easily shop from home by checking out their Amazon wish list. Just pick something out, and Amazon will deliver it right to the sheriff’s office until December 13.
With these fantastic events and drives, there’s no shortage of ways to give back this holiday season in the Upstate! So grab some toys and get ready to sprinkle some holiday magic on those who need it. Happy giving!
