Urban League of Greater Hartford Young Professionals and the City of Hartford Seek Toys, Volunteers for Annual Holiday Event
The Urban League of Greater Hartford YPs (Young Professionals) and the City of Hartford are seeking donations and volunteer support from the community and area organizations and businesses for the 2022 Hartford Toy Giveaway. On Saturday, December 17th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hartford children accompanied by adults are invited to come to 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 to 17 (especially needed are toys and items for teens), and event volunteers are needed to staff the event.
Now through Friday December 15th, the public is invited to bring and gift cards to one of many Mondays through Fridays collection sites across the city and beyond:
- Hartford City Hall, 550 Main Street – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Hartford Public Works, 50 Jennings Rd. – 8 a.m. – 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. – 5 p.m.
- Parker Memorial Center, 2621 Main St. – 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Arroyo Rec Center, 30 Pope Park Dr.– 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Urban League of Greater Hartford, 140 Woodland St. – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Madam Beauty Salon, 1390 Park St. – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center of Plainville, 103 East Main St. in Plainville.– 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“This holiday event has become an important tradition for the YPs, and we look forward to it every year,” explains 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,” says 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 December 17th 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 UConn 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 & Flu vaccines will be available at the UConn site.
To volunteer to help, go to: www.hartfordct.gov/toydrivevolunteer
For more information, call Hartford 311 at 860-757-9311.
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.