Updated: Nov. 30 at 4:23pm to add Legends' Sports Bar's toy drive.

During the holidays, one of the things that brings us the most joy is seeing a smile on a child’s face when he or she unwraps a new toy. But unfortunately, not all families have access to the funds or gifts that make the holidays special. That’s where you come in! Whether it’s through a local business, nonprofit, or civil service, Long Beach offers many toy drives that you can participate in to help others in need.

7th Annual Long Beach Ronald McDonald House Toy Drive

WHEN: December 3-12 | 9:00am-6:00pm

WHERE: Ronald McDonald House | 500 E 27th St, Long Beach, CA 90806

WHAT: The Ronald McDonald House offers housing, resources, and support for families with children being treated at Miller Children’s Hospital. From Dec. 3 through Dec. 12, bring new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages to enjoy. Your donation will give the families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House a wonderful reason to celebrate the holidays. Learn more: https://rmhcsc.org/longbeach/events/view/325

Spark Of Love Toy Drive

WHEN: December 3-12 | 9:00am-6:00pm

WHERE: Long Beach fire stations and local businesses

WHAT: Now in its 26th year, the Spark of Love Toy Drive collects new, unwrapped toys, sports equipment, clothes, and school supplies for thousands of children and teenagers across Southern California. By donating toys to one of the local collection sites in Long Beach, including any fire station, you’ll continue a tradition that has lasted for nearly three decades. Learn more and help continue the tradition: http://www.longbeach.gov/fire/community-outreach/special-programs/spark-of-love-toy-drive/

The Laugh Factory (Benefitting Miller Children’s Hospital)

WHEN: Now-December 22 | 11:00am-6:00pm

WHERE: Long Beach Laugh Factory | 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

WHAT: This year, the Long Beach Laugh Factory is hosting a toy drive that will benefit Miller Children’s Hospital. Through Dec. 22, the box office will be accepting donations and any unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more will receive a complimentary admission ticket. That’s right—you’ll receive a FREE night of laughter for helping others. For more information, email lbevents@laughfactory.com.

Toy Patrol

WHEN: Now-December 22

WHERE: Long Beach public libraries, police department substations and various businesses

WHAT: The Long Beach Police Department, in collaboration with the Long Beach Fire Department, is hosting the annual Toy Patrol holiday toy drive. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are being accepted, especially for children age 12 and over. Monetary donations or gift cards are also being accepted through the Long Beach Police Foundation. There will be nearly 200 families whose children will receive toys from Toy Patrol this year. Learn more: https://lbpolicefoundation.org/toy-patrol-spread-the-joy-of-giving/

Love in the Mirror's 6th Annual Toy Drive

WHEN: Now-December 15

WHERE: Various places throughout Long Beach, Redondo Beach, and surrounding areas

WHAT: Love in the Mirror, a local nonprofit that aims to make an impact on the youth in the community, will be collecting 1,000 toys that will be distributed during their 6th Annual Toy Giveaway on Dec. 16. You can help by donating new, unwrapped toys at one of their drop-off locations, attending one of their holiday concerts on Dec. 8 and 9, hosting a drop-off location, or by donating money. For drop-off locations and to learn how to get involved, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1837648229613216/

Aquarium of the Pacific Toy Drive (Benefitting Spark of Love)

WHEN: December 1-23

WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific

WHAT: Aquarium of the Pacific guests who donate a new, unwrapped toy at a $15 value or more will receive $10 off an adult ticket and $3 off a child ticket. Aquarium members will receive a complimentary admission ticket for each toy donated (maximum of six). All toys donated will benefit the Spark of Love Toy Drive. For more information: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/aquarium_holidays/

Legends' 5th Annual Christmas for the Kids

WHEN: Tuesday, December 12 | 6:30pm

WHERE: Legends' Sports Bar | 5236 E. Second Street Long Beach, CA 90803

WHAT: For one day only, bring a manufacturer's wrapped toy to Legends' Sports Bar and enjoy a buffet dinner and no host bar in the skybox! By participating in this toy drive, you'll be helping a local business help others in need this holiday season.

Do you know of any other toy drives happening this year in Long Beach? Let us know in the comments below!

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