Where to Donate Christmas Gifts in Indianapolis

As an occasional volunteer with homeless families, I've seen how painful it can be for many during the Christmas season. With barely enough money to put food on the table, toys and even warm coats can fall into the luxury category, although most of us would consider coats, gloves and outerwear to be basic needs. But when the budget gets tight, even those items can be tough to afford. That is when Indianapolis charities can come to the rescue. A few toys and some new clothes can certainly brighten the holidays of families who would face a bleak Christmas. Listed below are Indianapolis charities, stores, churches and other organizations which accept new or used items. Please consider buying something extra - or giving gently used coats or other items - to one of these Indianapolis charities or their sponsors this Christmas.

Christmas gift donations in Indianapolis combine with fun when contributing toys at select Indianapolis Colts games

As in previous years, the Indianapolis Colts will collect Christmas gifts and toys for children. This year, donations will go through The Salvation Army. Collections will take place on December 7 (starting four hours before kick-off). Hopes are high that this year members of the community will consider those who are in need. Donated toys will go to The Salvation Army for distribution.

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium
500 S. Capitol Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46225
Website and information: www.lucasoilstadium.com/

Time: 1 pm

WRTV has an annual Christmas toy drive in Indianapolis

With rising unemployment, there is a stronger need than ever for Christmas gifts and donations to help brighten the lives of children this holiday season. Gleaners Food Bank and FedEx are partners when it comes to sponsoring the drive. In years past, over 10,000 toys have been collected in a single year. It would be a true Christmas miracle to come up with that many this year - but Hoosiers tend to come through when needed. Hopefully, every child who wants on will have a Christmas gift this year.

Where to drop off Christmas gifts for the toy drive in Indianapolis:

WRTV television station
1330 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202

Dates: call for start dates for drop-off. Christmas donations will be accepted through December 19
Phone: (317) 635-9788
Kroger stores may be alternate locations for dropping off toys for the WRTV Christmas gift drive. Call to find out about that and selected locations

Drop into the Greenbriar location of Starbucks Coffee to donate new Christmas toys for needy children in Indianapolis

We've always made a point of stopping by the CVS or Target located near the Greenbriar location of Starbucks coffee. Every year, the store has boxes for donations of Christmas toys. Each one should be brand new and unwrapped so that staff can tell whether the gift is appropriate for a boy or girl (or would work for either gender). It is always nice to see how full the boxes get before Christmas Day! We've found that the CVS has some fine quality Christmas toys, arts and crafts sets and basic games that could delight children. In previous years, donations have gone to children in hospitals.

Location for Christmas toy donations at Starbucks coffee shop in Indianapolis:

Starbucks Coffee
1315 W. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: (317) 257- 0781

When to drop off Christmas toys and gifts for childrens' charities sponsored by Starbucks in Indianapolis:

After Thanksgiving. Call to find out when the official start date is to be determined.

As a volunteer with the Indianapolis Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN), I know there is a need for donations, including Christmas toys and gifts

Having volunteered with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, I know there is often a shortage of Christmas toys for homeless families, although the staff works hard to make sure everyone's needs are met. The IHN provides short term housing and food for both single parents and married couples with children as they struggle to get back on their feet again and find jobs. Donations are always welcome.

Christmas gifts and other items are especially needed during the winter holiday season. With so many families going through the program, toys can get quite a bit of use and crayons and art supplies can get used up fairly quickly. While you're picking up Christmas toys for needy families in Indianapolis, why not add a few diapers or some other basic supplies as well? Shampoo, soap and other toiletries would be greatly appreciated!

Drop-off locations can be found throughout the city. Call for information about the best time to drop of Christmas gifts at various Indianapolis locations.

Location for Christmas donations in Indianapolis:
IHN - Interfaith Hospitality Network
1850 N. Arsenal
Indianapolis, IN 46218
Phone: (317) 261-1562

The Cheer Guild at Riley Hospital has a list of toys and other items, perfect for Christmas donations in Indianapolis

Riley Hospital treats children who are ill and the Cheer Guild maintains an ongoing list of toys and other items needed. Check out the list here: www.rileyhospital.org/information-desk/donations.jsp and consider giving Etch-a-Sketch drawing sets, board games, newly released PG movies and puzzles with knobs on them as Christmas donations to help needy children and their families this year? With medical costs being so high, there are families who are hard pressed to find time or money to get gifts for sick children who are at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis. Your donation could make life that much easier for them this Christmas season.

The list of items needed for Christmas donations is very extensive. When buying for children at Riley hospital, keep in mind that some kids will be in the hospital for months, making calculators, school supplies and similar a way to help keep up with schoolwork, when possible. Of course, puzzles, Nintendo games, Target and Walmart gift certificates and CD players are also in demand. Think about what might make life easier for a child who has to spend long periods of time in a hospital room and you're likely to come up with an ideal Christmas donation or gift for an Indianapolis child and his or her family.

Location:
Riley Hospital for Children
702 Barnhill Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 1-800-248-1199