The Salvation Army’s yearly toy drive starts Dec. 19 at their Asbury Avenue location, bringing holiday joy to 600 local children. Their building at 605 Asbury Ave. will become a winter wonderland of giving. The Asbury Park giveaway is one of many, with similar events starting in Red Bank and Trenton. These efforts align with the organization’s goal to help those in need throughout the region. Bad weather won’t stop the event. Warm indoor spaces keep waiting families out of the cold. Spread-out pickup times keep lines short.

“We have found that many families are having to make the hard choice … between putting food on the table or toys under the tree,” says Captain Nathan Deming. Through this program, the organization helps take this weight off local families.

This work goes well beyond December’s toy giveaway. Success relies on donations throughout the year and committed volunteers. Those familiar red kettles and bell ringers help raise money that keeps these services going. Help comes from many places. The Kiwanis Club helped out with their own toy collection for local children. These team efforts show how strong local giving can be. Past years show the difference it makes. Numbers show steady need across neighborhoods, with thousands of toys going to new homes each year. It’s clear the community’s help is still needed.

The state website shows information about toy collections, where to drop off, and how to help. People can look up times and what’s needed to get involved. Drop-off spots opened early to handle expected needs. Workers handle sign-ups, organize gifts, and plan out pickup schedules. Their method helps make sure all registered families get fair treatment. A thorough checking process guides gift-giving. Teams look at family size, income, and where people live. These steps help get help to those who need it most.

Gift-wrapping areas make it special. Separate drives collect wrapping stuff. Parents can keep their wrapping traditions going, creating special moments with their kids.

Signing up early helps families get specific gift requests. Late sign-ups get picks from what’s left. Rides help solve a big problem. Volunteer drivers bring large items right to homes. This helps families who don’t have cars.

Storage space affects when they collect. Extra spots handle overflow when main places get full. This helps keep everything running smoothly.