The holidays are a time for giving, and in Chandler, there are plenty of ways to make a difference. From toy and food drives to gift card collections, local businesses—including many of our magazine's partners—and organizations are coming together to help make the season a little brighter for children and families in need. Here are some ways you can lend a hand this holiday season.
BackFit Cares Toy Drive
BackFit Cares is a 501(c)(3) organization providing free natural and holistic healthcare to kids in underprivileged communities. The organization is hosting a toy drive.
WHEN: November through Dec. 24
WHERE: Drop off at any BackFit Health + Spine location. There are two locations in Chandler: 1949 W. Ray Road and 2815 E. Ocotillo Road
ACCEPTING: New toys
THE DRIVE BENEFITS: UMOM New Day Centers and various charities for children
INFO/CONTACT: BackFitCares.com
Tutera Medical’s Toys for Tots
This year marks the 18th year Tutera Medical and SottoPelle have participated in the Toys for Tots program, serving as drop-off locations for donations for the organization. The company also hosts a Toys for Tots box-decorating contest at each of its offices.
WHEN: Typically mid-November through mid-December (official dates had not been announced by Toys for Tots as of press deadline)
WHERE: Drop off at any Tutera Medical location—Chandler: 215 S. Dobson Road; Scottsdale: 8412 E. Shea Blvd.; Glendale: 20325 N. 51st Ave. Donors are encouraged to call first to verify hours for the date of drop-off
ACCEPTING: Unwrapped toys
THE DRIVE BENEFITS: Economically disadvantaged children through Toys for Tots
INFO/CONTACT: TuteraMedical.com; 480.874.1515
Myranda's Holiday Toy Drive & Diamond Extravaganza
Celebrate the season with Myranda Fine Jewelry. The brand is hosting Myranda’s Holiday Toy Drive & Diamond Extravaganza, a festive celebration open to the public that’s filled with sparkle, giving, and holiday cheer. Discover an incredible selection of dazzling diamonds and holiday jewelry while enjoying festive drinks and delicious small bites. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.
WHEN: Dec. 19–20
WHERE: Myranda Fine Jewelry, 5055 W. Ray Road, Ste. 5, Chandler
ACCEPTING: New, unwrapped toys
THE DRIVE BENEFITS: Children in need in our community
INFO/CONTACT: MyrandaFineJewelry.com; 480.901.9819; Instagram: @MyrandaFineJewelry
Community on Purpose/Amy Jones Group’s Holiday and Food Drives
Community on Purpose and Amy Jones Group are once again helping local families this holiday season with two opportunities to give.
Holiday Drive
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: Online and at Amy Jones Group, 1820 E. Ray Road, Ste. C4, Chandler
ACCEPTING: Donations can be made directly to CommunityOnPurpose.org and gift cards can be dropped off at the office address above. Contact the Amy Jones Group at 480.250.3857 for the current wish list to shop directly for families in need
THE DRIVE BENEFITS: Gilbert Advocacy Center and Branching Out
INFO/CONTACT: CommunityOnPurpose.org or 480.250.3857
Food Drive
WHEN: Throughout November
WHERE: Drop off at Amy Jones Group, 1820 E. Ray Road, Ste. C4, Chandler or at Community on Purpose’s Community Pie event on Nov. 22.
ACCEPTING: Nonperishable food items
THE DRIVE BENEFITS: Midwest Food Bank
INFO/CONTACT: CommunityOnPurpose.org or 480.250.3857
CurateMD Skin Bar & Wellness's Toy Drive
CurateMD Skin Bar & Wellness is hosting a toy drive in conjunction with the Chandler Fire Department. The locale is also offering special bonus offers/pricing on facials/peels and Botox for those who bring in donations.
WHEN: Nov. 8 through Dec. 14
WHERE: CurateMD Skin Bar & Wellness Clinic, 2745 S. Alma School Road, Ste. 3, Chandler
ACCEPTING: New, unwrapped toys and gift cards
THE DRIVE BENEFITS: Local families in need
INFO/CONTACT: info@curatemdskinbar.com
Cadence Chandler's Holiday Toy Drive
Cadence Chandler Senior Living is holding a holiday toy drive. All donations will be given to the Chandler Fire Department to help bring holiday joy to local children and families in need.
WHEN: Nov. 8 through Dec. 14
WHERE: Cadence Chandler Senior Living, 100 W. Queen Creek Road, Chandler
ACCEPTING: New, unwrapped toys and gift cards
THE DRIVE BENEFITS: Local families in need
INFO/CONTACT: CogirUSA.com/communities/cadence-chandler/
Other local drives include Chandler CARE Center’s annual Thanksgiving Family Assistance Day (donate by Nov. 10, call 480.812.7900 to schedule your donation) and holiday toy drive (new, unwrapped gifts for children ages birth to 14 and gift cards for teens; Amazon wish list is also available, call 480.812.7900 for information); Chandler Fire Department Annual Toy Drive (new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for local families in need; donations can be dropped off from Nov. 8 through Dec. 14 at Chandler Fire Stations or the Fire Administration Building); the Salvation Army’s Christmas Angel toy drive (take a tag from the tree at Chandler Fashion Center, purchase the requested gift, and bring it back to the tree, contact SalvationArmyPhoenix.org); For Our City – Chandler’s Gift Card Drives (recommended $15 value to help teenagers during the holidays, visit ForOurCityChandler.org); and nonprofit Valley Bloom was selected as one of the five featured nonprofits for this holiday season's Light the World Giving Machines (ValleyBloom.org).
Note: Information, needs, dates, and other details are subject to change. Confirm all before donating.