LEO Santa Toy Drive Brings Holiday Joy to Greenville County Families

LEO Santa Toy Drive Brings Joy to Greenville County Families

As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving is alive and well in Greenville County. Local families are getting ready for a special surprise, as LEO Santa has kicked off its 2024 toy drive aimed at spreading joy and warmth to children in the community. This heartwarming initiative is set to run until December 13, inviting everyone to pitch in for those in need.

How You Can Help Spread the Joy

Community members are encouraged to donate toys at various locations throughout the county, including partnering businesses, fire departments, and schools. If you’re unsure where to drop off your gifts, don’t worry! You can find a list of all the toy donation sites on LEO Santa’s website. It’s a small act that can bring immense happiness to a child during the festive season.

A Special Event at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena

But that’s not all! LEO Santa has teamed up with Audacy Radio to host its annual 28-hour toy collection drive, set to take place at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mark your calendars for December 5 at 6 a.m. to December 6 at 10 a.m., because this is an event you won’t want to miss. On December 5, families dropping off toys can enjoy an afternoon filled with festive fun, including the chance to meet Santa himself, make holiday crafts, and participate in various activities from 4 to 8 p.m..

What Toys Are Needed?

While the generosity of the community is always inspiring, there’s a specific call to action this year. According to Berea Fire Department Chief Gary Brock, LEO Santa often sees a great influx of toys for younger children but is always in need of gifts for infants and teens. Items that would make fantastic gifts for the older age group include makeup, cameras, earphones, basketballs, handbags, jewelry, entertainment items, and perfume. If you have any of these in mind, they’d make a big difference!

A Community Effort

The important work of delivering these toys is made possible through the hard work of local law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders who volunteer their time to ensure the presents reach the children who need them most. Bart McEntire, board chair of LEO Santa, proudly highlights the organization’s established 10-year partnership with first responder agencies across South Carolina and Greenville County. “The holiday season is a time for hope, sharing, and building relationships; it offers an opportunity for our first responders to deliver joy to children through the support of the community,” he says.

A Proven Record of Giving

In 2023 alone, LEO Santa distributed an impressive 15,000 toys to approximately 5,000 children in the Upstate area. Travelers Rest Police Department Chief Ben Ford shared that on average, each child receives a minimum of three toys. “We love to see the smiles. It is a chance for us to be seen in another light than most often kids and families in need see us,” Ford mentioned. It’s all about building connections and spreading joy during this special time.

Join the Movement!

If you want to learn more about how you can be part of this wonderful initiative, visit LEO Santa’s website at leosantachristmas.com. Remember, every little bit helps, and together we can make this holiday season a magical one for those in our community. Don’t wait too long; this is the time to act, spread cheer, and make a difference!