Toys for Tots Drive Begins in Leawood, Aiming to Support 48,000 Children This Holiday Season

Toys for Tots Drive Kicks Off in Leawood, Kansas!

Leawood, Kansas, is buzzing with excitement as the annual Toys for Tots donation drive gets underway! The largest donation center in the Kansas City area has opened its doors at the Overland Park Convention Center, where community spirit is expected to shine brighter than ever. With the goal of spreading joy and holiday cheer, this year’s drive is inviting residents to make a huge difference in the lives of over 48,000 children in need!

How It All Works

From now until mid-December, folks are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys to help ensure that every child has a gift to unwrap this holiday season. The convention center, located at 6000 College Blvd, opens its donation area starting from November 7 all the way through December 12. You can drop off your magical gifts at the main entrance off 110th St, and don’t worry—there are donation boxes at all entrances for your convenience!

The local Toys for Tots team is working hard to make sure every child up to 17 years old receives something special. So, whether it’s toys for toddlers, games for teenagers, or anything in between, every little bit helps create those memorable moments.

Last Year’s Success and This Year’s Goals

In 2023, the drive collected over 26,000 toys, providing smiles to 48,000 kids in the community. However, with even more children estimated to need help this year, the Overland Park Convention Center is aiming higher! Gunnery Sergeant Erasmo Galaviz, with the Toys for Tots Marine Corps, shared his enthusiasm about this year’s goals, stating, “We’ve experienced significant shortages in years past, but thanks to the incredible support from the Overland Park Convention Center and the Kansas City community, we managed to meet our goals in the final stretch.”

A Call to Action

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than helping those in need? Brett C. Mitchell, the General Manager of the Overland Park Convention Center, expressed how thankful the team is for the community’s generosity year after year. “We’ve set an ambitious goal for 2024, and we know that with Kansas City’s continued support, we can reach it and provide hope to thousands of children.”

As the drive progresses, the team encourages families, businesses, and individuals to come together during the holidays to make a real impact. Each toy you donate will remain in the metro area, benefiting local families directly. Imagine the awe and joy on a child’s face when they receive a gift they might never thought they would!

Join the Movement!

If you’re wondering how to get involved or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Just give a call to 913-339-3000 for any questions or details. It’s all hands on deck this holiday season, and the community is encouraged to spread the word far and wide!

So, what’s stopping you? Gather your family, rally your friends, and unleash your holiday spirit by contributing to the Toys for Tots drive. Let’s make this season one filled with warmth and happiness for all the children in our area!