Toy Drive FAQs
How can I help collect toys for Nathaniel’s Toy Store?
It’s easy – just three simple steps:
- Visit Christmas with Nathaniel’s Hope: Host a Toy Drive.
- Decide if you are going to host a traditional or virtual toy drive.
- Click the red Host a Toy Drive! button and officially register.
What is a Traditional Toy Drive?
A traditional toy drive is a community-driven effort to collect NEW and UNWRAPPED toys that are then distributed to VIPs and their siblings that are in need. Participants—whether individuals, businesses, community organizations, churches, or schools—can set up collection points where people can drop off their toy donations. You then pick up the toys from the collection point and bring them to the designated toy drop-off location (to be determined).
Click HERE for more information.
What is a Virtual Toy Drive?
A virtual toy drive is a convenient and modern way to support, allowing you to contribute from the comfort of your home or office. Unlike traditional toy drives, where donations are collected at physical drop-off locations, a virtual toy drive uses online platforms like Amazon to gather and deliver toys directly. By creating and sharing a wish list online, you can easily invite friends, family, and colleagues to participate, making it simple to support a meaningful cause and bring joy to children with special needs.
Click HERE for more information.
Who Does Nathaniel’s Toy Shop Serve?
Nathaniel’s Toy Shop serves VIPs (Very Important People—individuals with Value and Incredible Purpose who have disabilities) who are official members of our VIP Birthday Club and have a VIP membership number. We primarily serve VIP children from birth to age 18, as well as their siblings. For VIPs over 18, our focus is on individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities functioning at a developmental level up to age 18. The toys we receive are best suited for those with a functional development level under 18 years of age.
Nathaniel’s Toy Shop is dedicated to supporting families who need assistance in providing gifts for their special needs children and their siblings.
Is there a list of toys available to guide my toy drive?
Yes! We have two lists available to assist:
- 2024 Toy Wish List Here highlights toy that are always in high demand at our toy shop.
- Amazon Toy Drive 2024 Wish List provides your participants with the option/convenience of shopping online.
Are there toys/gifts that are not accepted?
Due to the community we serve at Nathaniel’s Toy Shop and the vulnerability of our VIPs, we are unable to accept opened or used toys. All toys must still be in the original packaging and stuffed animals must be in pristine condition. We kindly ask that you avoid donating toys that are scary or violent.
Can we send toys through Amazon?
Yes, you can view and select items from our Amazon Toy Drive 2024 Wish List to include in your traditional toy drive or have shipped directly to us. We thank you in advance for your gift!
When and where can I drop off toys for Nathaniel’s Toy Shop?
Nathaniel’s Hope is hosting VIP family shopping on the weekends of December .
Ideally, we ask that toys be dropped off December 2th-13th so we are well-stocked for our families.
We are finalizing our Toy Shop location and will send an email with the address and drop-off dates and times as soon as confirmed.
If you’re unable to drop off during our scheduled times, please let us know and we can make arrangements. Our office number is 407-857-8224.
How can I make a cash donation to Nathaniel’s Toy Shop?
We have three different options for cash donations:
- Online with credit card
- PayPal
- Check by mail
Please visit Donate to learn more about the option that best suits your needs.
How can I volunteer at Nathaniel’s Toy Shop?
In addition to participating with a Toy Drive, you can volunteer two other ways:
In the physical Toy Shop, sorting toys, stock shelves, and/or assisting with shopping.
AND/OR
As a Caroling Caravan, delivering toys to a VIP family who is unable to visit the Toy Shop.
All volunteer registrations open in early November.
**The Toy Shop is our gift to VIP families, and unfortunately, we do not allow VIP families to volunteer at the toy shop, but they can contact us to see if there are other volunteering opportunities in our office.
