Each year, ChicagoCAC staff and volunteers come together to deliver holiday cheer to children and families impacted by abuse. We believe that every kid deserves wonderful new memories with their families this winter, even after experiencing trauma or abuse.
To make that happen, we need your help! We’re aiming to collect 2,400 toys by December 4th so we can create an unforgettable holiday for over 800 families receiving care at ChicagoCAC.
Here’s how you can join us in creating joy this holiday season:
Support Our Toy Drive Wishlist
We’ve hand-picked gifts for kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens, and made an Amazon Wishlist that you can support. Whether it’s the board game that an elementary schooler will want to play every night this spring or the sketchbook that kickstarts a high-schooler’s love for art, every gift you purchase will bring joy to a local kid who really needs it.
All gifts made via the Amazon Wishlist will be delivered directly to ChicagoCAC, no further steps are needed. Please purchase all gifts by Friday, December 4, 2026 to ensure they arrive in time for our Kids Holiday Party.
Donate Toys Directly
We are accepting any new gifts for children ages 3 to 17. If you’d like an idea of what items we’re looking for, please browse our wishlist.
All gifts should be delivered to 1240 S Damen Ave, Chicago IL 60608. Gifts delivered by mail should be addressed to “ChicagoCAC Holiday Toy Drive”. Gifts delivered in-person can be dropped off with our front desk staff during normal operating hours.
Get Your Organization Involved
If you have friends or colleagues that also want to create joy for our children and families this winter, we’d love for you to participate! We have lots of ways for your workplace, school, or community organization to get involved:
- Host a toy drive at your office
- Volunteer as a group to support our Kids Holiday Party
- Make an institutional or in-kind donation
- Shout out our toy drive in your staff or community newsletter
No matter how you want to support our children, we would be thrilled to have you join us this holiday season. Please connect with our Development Team to learn more:
Make a Monetary Gift to the Drive
If you’d prefer to make a monetary donation to support our Holiday Toy Drive and Kids Holiday Party, you can have a huge impact. These donations are so important because they allow us to see what types of gifts we haven’t yet received from the community (e.g. gifts for teen boys) and make sure we’re still able to provide those to our families. Monetary gifts go a long way in ensuring that we are able to give every child a gift that is catered to their unique needs.
Holiday Toy Drive FAQ
We are accepting gifts anytime between now and Friday, December 4, 2026.
Any gift donations can be dropped off at ChicagoCAC’s main facility at 1240 S. Damen Ave, Chicago IL 60608. We can accept gifts any time during our regular operating hours: 9 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Friday and 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays.
If you are unable to deliver your toys by December 4, please contact us at events@chicagocac.org to make alternate arrangements.
No, we only accept new toys.
Yes, we will accept new clothing items for children only.
You do not need to use our Amazon wishlist to purchase gifts for the Holiday Toy Drive. The wishlist is there as a guide, but you’re welcome to purchase from any retailer of your choosing. We accept any NEW toys/gifts.
Unfortunately no, all gifts donated to the Holiday Toy Drive are intended for children and families receiving care from ChicagoCAC.
Please fill out the in-kind donation form and return your completed form to ChicagoCAC in person or via email at events@chicagocac.org. We will have printed in-kind forms available at the front reception desk for anyone dropping off toys.