The holidays are a time to spread cheer and give gifts. However, not everyone has the means to put toys under the tree.
To ensure all children have presents on Christmas morning, organizations across Delaware are collecting toys to give to those who may not otherwise be able to afford them.
One special holiday tradition is the angel tree, in which tags are attached to trees with gift requests from kids in need. People are asked to take the tag, purchase the gift and return it. Other programs are hosting general toy donation drives.
Here are some places to find angel trees and other gift donation spots ahead of Christmas.
New Castle County
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Canaan Baptist Church: Select a gift “tag” requested by a child in need online at bit.ly/2024CanaanAngelTree and return gifts to the church office (3011 New Castle Ave.) by Thursday, Dec. 12. The office is open from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Thursday and on Sundays. Call 302-354-9570 or email CanaanAngelTree@gmail.com for more information.
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Christiana Mall: The Salvation Army’s angel tree with tags has been set up at Christiana Mall near Macy’s (501 Christiana Mall). Gifts must be returned by Friday, Dec. 13.
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City of Newark: The Newark Police Department, Newark Police Athletic League and Newark Parks and Recreation will be collecting gifts for students up to 14 years old who attend schools within city limits. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off in the lobby of the City of Newark Municipal Building (220 S. Main St.) through Wednesday, Dec. 11.
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Nemours Children’s Hospital: Nemours accepts gift donations year-round for patients with extended hospital stays. You can purchase items directly from the hospital’s Amazon wishlist or donate money online to Nemours’ toy drive.
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One Village Alliance: Toys and winter clothing are being accepted at One Village Alliance’s Freedom Center (31 W. 31st St.) until Friday, Dec. 13. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you need to drop off outside office hours, contact family@iamthevillage.org to set up a time.
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Stop the Violence Prayer Chain Foundation: The nonprofit will be accepting new toys through Friday, Dec. 13, at 103 Rogers Road. Monetary donations are accepted through PayPal and Cash App. For more information, call 302-981-9594.
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The Trauma Survivors Foundation: New toys and winter clothing will be accepted through Dec. 20 at Big Oyster Brewery, V&M Bistro, Hamilton’s on Main, Fins Fish House and Raw Bar, Claws Seafood House and both Bellefonte Brewing Co. locations. You will receive a discounted pint or food item in thanks.
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Wilmington Toys for Tots: Drop boxes have been set up by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots across New Castle County County. You can view all drop-off locations online at wilmington-de.toysfortots.org.
Kent County
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Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill: DHCI is accepting gifts for its Adopt-A-Resident Program through Dec. 16. To obtain a resident’s wish list, contact Tina Wagner at tina.wagner@delaware.gov or (302) 233-1011. Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the Volunteer Services office at DHCI (100 Sunnyside Road) on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Dover Toys for Tots: Drop boxes have been set up by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots across Kent County at locations ranging from government buildings to restaurants to local businesses. You can view a map of all drop-off locations or search by your ZIP code online at dover-de.toysfortots.org.
Sussex County
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Bridgeville Police Department: Pick up a tag and bring it back with a new, unwrapped gift to the Bridgeville Police Department lobby (105 S. Main St.) by Wednesday, Dec. 18. The department is also accepting monetary donations to pay for wrapping paper and additional gifts.
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Ocean View Toys for Tots: Drop boxes have been set up by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots across lower Sussex County at locations ranging from libraries to restaurants to local businesses. You can view a map of all drop-off locations or search by your ZIP code online at ocean-view-de.toysfortots.org.
If you have a toy drive or angel tree that isn’t on the list, contact reporter Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com and we’ll be happy to add it to our list.
MORE: These Delaware restaurants are open on Christmas Day
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Angel tree, toy donations across Delaware: how to help for Christmas