Your roundup of trusted Erie organizations helping kids receive — and families give — holiday joy.
Looking for holiday help in Erie, PA — or hoping to give back? This guide lists trusted Erie organizations offering Christmas assistance for families in need, along with local toy drives and donation opportunities for anyone wanting to brighten a child’s holiday in 2025.
Whether you need Christmas gifts for your children or you’re hoping to donate toys, funds, or time, these Erie groups are working hard to make sure local kids feel the magic of the season.
Toys for Tots
How to receive: Deadline to apply to take part is Dec. 1, 2025! Fill out an application here.
How to give: You can donate new, unwrapped toys at drop-off locations throughout Erie County. Find participating businesses and organizations here.
Plus — Stuff the Cruiser is happening Nov. 22 at the Peach Street Walmart. Bring a toy and help fill the police cruisers for local kids!
ToyBox of Erie
Taradoodles Toybox of Erie is hosting its first annual holiday toy collection drive with the ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum. The community is invited to donate new toys, books, games, and comforting items for kids from birth through the teen years — especially older kids and teens who are often overlooked during holiday drives.
Drop-off details:
Where:
ExpERIEnce Children’s MuseumWhen: Any hours the museum is openPreferred donations right now:Art supplies (blank sketchbooks, gel pens, markers)18″ dolls (My Life, Our Generation, etc.)Barbie accessory setsCraft kits (all ages)Activity books and card gamesStorage bins/cubes (fun character designs welcome!)Baby toys (teethers, Little People, early-learning toys)Sports/outdoor toysSensory toys (slime kits, Play-Doh, fidgets)Rainbow High or Monster High items
Prefer to give financially? You can make a monetary donation or shop their Amazon list. Info on their website here.
How to receive:
Taradoodles provides toys and comforting items to local families all year long. Christmas signups will open soon — keep an eye on their announcements here.
Erie City Moms
How to give:
Erie City Moms is running their Holiday 2025 Giving Tree, with several easy ways to support local moms and kids this season:
Shop their Amazon Wish List and send gifts directly to Erie families.Fill a “Make Mom Merry” Stuff-A-Stocking to remind hardworking local moms that they are loved, supported, and not alone. Stockings for moms can be dropped off Nov 17-22 at the Boys & Girls Club or Table of Grace Church. Click here for drop-off details.Collections for toys and items for kids on behalf of Erie City Moms are being held at:Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe, 402 State St. (Regular business hours thru Dec. 8). Suggested items: new toys, imagination play, science kits, gift cards for kids ages 0-18.Juice Jar, 2620 W. Eighth St. Details announced soon! Or donate online to fund personalized Christmas toy bundles for local children.
How to receive: Erie City Moms collects and donates toys plus gifts for families and moms. More info coming soon. Find out more here or follow their Facebook page.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
How to give: You can shop the online Walmart registry here or stop by 1022 Liberty St. to find out specific needs.
How to receive: The Salvation Army has been holding Christmas Food or Christmas Toys & Food sign-ups since October. The final upcoming dates are Nov. 13, and Nov 19–20. Families must bring ID for all household members, proof of income, proof of address, and a birth certificate or official document for children 13 and under. Sign-ups take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1022 Liberty St., Erie. More info here.
Little Free Pantries & Libraries
How to give: Simply stop and donate at any Little Free Pantry or Library!
How to receive:
Keep an eye on a little free pantry near you. Supporters of Little Free Pantries and Libraries will be distributing gently-used toys and other winter items to those locations in the coming weeks.
Know of a group, organization or event we’re missing? Let me know at karam@macaronikid.com and we’ll add it to the list!