The Foster Alliance is again organizing a statewide toy drive with a goal of giving gifts to more than 12,000 children in Arizona experiencing foster care.
The organization’s goal this year is have 45,000 gifts donated.
“Celebrating the holiday season may seem normal, however to children who are experiencing life in a foster home, it may create a feeling of being left behind,” said Maureen Noe, President & CEO of The Foster Alliance. “We, at The Foster Alliance, are laser focused on ensuring children in foster care are remembered every day and especially during special occasions such as the holiday season.”
The organization is offering several ways for people to give: by hosting their own toy drives; checking out its Amazon wish list for toys and gifts for teens; and donating directly to the organization.
The Foster Alliance is partnering with US Egg and Mesquite Fresh Street Mex to collect toys. In addition, the organization will host two dedicated “Fill Santa’s Sleigh” events:
• 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at The Foster Alliance Resource Center, 3110 E Thunderbird Road. Phoenix, AZ 85032. From 5 to 7 p.m. The Foster Alliance will host a drive through toy drive. Attendees can expect hot chocolate, holiday treats, Santa and more.
• 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at The Scottsdale Quarter. The Foster Alliance will partner with M3F to put on a free holiday concert. There will also be hot chocolate, Santa and a holiday wonderland.
The Arizona Lottery and M3F will match every gift or dollar given to the organization up to $50,000.
Dec. 12-14, the organization will host its annual Holiday Toy Fest, where foster families can visit its Resource Center to pick out gifts for the children in their care. In addition to the Toy Fest, The Foster Alliance will pre-pack gift packages that will go to foster families and children across the state.
The Foster Alliance’s Holiday Toy Drive is presented by the Arizona Lottery and M3F and is also made possible by funding and collaborative partners: BreakThru Beverage, Copper State Credit Union, Edward Jones, E & K Construction, Plexus and Russ Lyon Foundation.
