Holiday Spirit Lights Up the Upstate with Generous Giving Initiatives

Holiday Spirit Shines Bright in the Upstate!

As the holiday season rolls around, there’s a warmth that fills the air, and it’s not just from the cozy fires in our homes. Nope! It’s the heartwarming spirit of giving back that’s sweeping across the Upstate! This time of year offers plenty of opportunities to spread some joy and lend a helping hand. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, sit back, and let’s take a look at how you can make a difference this holiday season!

Carolina Family Service: Your Local Toy Store

If you’re looking for a great place to donate, Carolina Family Service is taking the lead with its fantastic Holiday Giving Toy Store! Located at 17 Memorial Medical Drive in Greenville, they’re collecting toys, gift cards, crafting kits, and sporting equipment to ensure that families in need won’t miss out on the magic of the season. Their Holiday Giving Toy Store is open for donations from Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Just remember, they take a little break on the weekends, so plan your visit accordingly!

Leo Santa’s Toy Drive: A Drive-Thru Extravaganza!

Mark your calendars for a festive adventure at Leo Santa’s Toy Drive happening at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena on December 5th and 6th. This drive-thru event begins Thursday at 6 a.m. and runs until Friday at 10 a.m.. It’s super easy – just hop in your car and drop off your new, unwrapped toys for kiddos aged newborn to 12 years old! Fancy a little extra fun? Swing by on Thursday between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. for some holiday crafts and a chance to snap some photos with Santa while checking out first responder vehicles. How cool is that?

Fast and Loud Toy Drive: Join the Fun!

Got toys to give? Then head over to the Fast and Loud Toy Drive hosted by the A Bountiful Hand Foundation on December 21st. Starting at 1 p.m., you can drop off goodies such as toys, games, bikes, shoes, coats, and sweet treats at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, located at 505 White Horse Road, Greenville. Let’s spread some joy and make this holiday season one for the books!

Christmas Hope and the Toys for Tots Drive

There’s still more holiday magic to share! The Christmas Hope Toy Drive, spearheaded by Kid Kitchen at 1601 W Blue Ridge Drive in Greenville, is accepting new, unwrapped toys for children all the way up to 14 years old until December 7th. From teddy bears to basketballs, they’ve got you covered! You can drop off donations on Sundays between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m..

Meanwhile, if you’re in Spartanburg, head over to Spartanburg County EMS at 525 Union Street for the Toys for Tots charity. Just bring those unwrapped toys by December 10th. Bonus alert! Spartanburg Honda is offering a fab incentive: for every toy donated, you score a raffle ticket for the chance to win an exciting Honda Motocompacto. So, bring those toys in and maybe ride home with a new toy of your own! Their drop-off hours are Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and closed on Sundays.

More Opportunities to Give!

Don’t worry, if you missed the earlier deadlines, there are still ways to contribute! A Christmas Toy Drive is ongoing until December 9th at Heli-Plan Aviation Group and Cycle Specialties Performance. Every bit helps bring some holiday joy to families in need!

And if you want to go the extra mile, check out the No Angel Left Behind program by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office running through December 13th. The clever folks there have set up an Amazon wish list so you can shop from the comfort of your home, and have gifts delivered straight to their office. How convenient!

Let’s come together this holiday season and make a difference in our community. After all, the best gift is giving! Happy holidays!