Help Hartford Community This Holiday Season, Donate And/Or Volunteer

HARTFORD, CT — Folks in full holiday shopping mode right now might want to set aside some gifts for those who cannot afford gifts themselves.

The Urban League of Greater Hartford YPs (Young Professionals) and the City of Hartford are seeking donations and volunteer support from the community, area organizations and businesses for the 2022 Hartford Toy Giveaway.

On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hartford children accompanied by adults are invited to come to Hartford City Hall to select toys for the holidays.

Last year, 500 families attended the event.

But before that can happen, the YPs and the city must secure donations of hundreds of new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for children, ages 0-17 (especially needed are toys and items for teens) and event volunteers are needed to staff the event.

From now through Friday Dec. 15, the public is invited to bring and gift cards to one of many collection sites across the city and beyond.

Those sites are open Mondays through Fridays and they are:

• Hartford City Hall, 550 Main St. – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Hartford Public Works, 50 Jennings Road – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Hartford Public Safety Complex, 253 High St. – any time

• Development Services or MetroHartford Information Services Offices, 260 Constitution Plaza – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Parker Memorial Center, 2621 Main St. – noon to 8 p.m.

• Arroyo Rec Center, 30 Pope Park Drive – noon to 8 p.m.

• Urban League of Greater Hartford, 140 Woodland St. – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Madam Beauty Salon, 1390 Park St. – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center of Plainville, 103 East Main St., Plainville.– 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

“This holiday event has become an important tradition for the YPs, and we look forward to it every year,” said Luz Holmes, president of the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Young Professionals (YP). “But it takes many hearts and hands to organize an event of this magnitude that helps hundreds, and we invite anyone interested to join us with a donation or by volunteering their time.”

The YPs auxiliary supports the Urban League’s mission to reduce economic disparities through programs, services and educational opportunities by providing a forum for professional development, volunteerism and social awareness for young adults ages 21 through 40.

“I remember our annual toy drives when I served as YP President of the Urban League of Greater Hartford,” said Janice Castle, director of community engagement for the City of Hartford. “It is wonderful to get to partner with the Urban League, and City departments including Fire and Police to serve our city in this way.”

No advance registration is needed for the Dec. 17 event, but participation is "First Come, First Served.”

To receive toys, the child must be present, and the parent or guardian must confirm a Hartford address with a driver’s license, a municipal or state ID, or a utility bill.”

Registration will be at the University of Connecticut Hartford campus at 10 Prospect St.
Once individuals register, groups will be escorted across the street to Hartford City Hall at 550 Main St., that will be decorated like Santa’s Workshop.

There, they will enjoy music, visit resource tables and children will get to choose their toys. In addition, free COVID and flu vaccines will be available at the UConn site.

Event sponsors include the Urban League of Greater Hartford YPs, the City of Hartford Public Schools, Hartford Police, the City of Hartford Fire Department, the University of Connecticut, Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers, Hartford Yard Goats Foundation, Hot 93.7/Audacy, and the Urban League of Greater Hartford.

To volunteer to help, go to: www.hartfordct.gov/toydrivevolunteer. For more information, call Hartford 311 at 860-757-9311.