Geppetto's Toys and Armed Services YMCA Partnering for Toy Drive

The holidays can be challenging for local military families struggling to put gifts under the tree. This year, the Armed Services YMCA and Geppetto's Toys are partnering up for a countywide drive November 29 through December 6 to collect toys for families in need.

Toys can be dropped off between November 29 and December 6 at any of Geppetto's nine locations including:

Carlsbad, The Forum: 1935 Calle Barcelona -- 760-632-1107

Through their annual SuperParent Holiday Toy Program, the Armed Services YMCA will “give back” to active duty parents, and thank them for their brave service and daily sacrifices that a job in the military can often bring.  San Diegans can drop off their new, unused and unwrapped toys for a child of any age at the specially-marked collection bins in each location.

"We plan to serve at least 1,000 families by distributing over 5,000 toys through the SuperParent Holiday Toy Program, and Geppetto's will be a big part of our success," said Paul Steffens, Executive Director of Armed Services YMCA San Diego.

To further encourage donations, Geppetto's is offering a special deal during the toy drive: Purchase a toy from one of their stores and donate it to the Armed Services YMCA, and receive a coupon for $5 off your next purchase of $25 or more.

All of the toys will be distributed at the two-day SuperParent program, scheduled for December 12and 13, 2013. The Armed Services YMCA builds a “Christmas Toy Store” at its headquarters in Tierrasanta. A live DJ plays festive holiday music, fresh live Christmas trees line the walkways, hot coffee and cocoa is served and the air is filled with excitement as invited parents select two free toys for each child in their household.

Excited service members or their spouses arrive first thing in the morning to get a spot in line. Military parents are greeted by a volunteer ‘personal shopper’ to help them navigate the toy store to pick just the right gifts for their children. All of the toys are new and unused, and there is something for children and teens of every age.

Geppetto's donates toys to hundreds of organizations each year, including schools and social service agencies throughout the region.

–Geppetto's press release