The holiday season in Kansas City brings communities together through generous toy drives that create lasting memories for children in need. Whether you’re making your first donation or continuing a cherished tradition, the city offers numerous opportunities to spread joy throughout the metro area.
Drop Off Your Donations at Convenient Locations
The Overland Park Convention Center serves as one of the largest donation sites in the region, accepting new, unwrapped toys Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm through December 11, 2025. The center is located at 6000 College Boulevard, Overland Park, with directional signage guiding donors to the main entrance off 110th Street.
For those in the Kansas City area, Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center accepts donations at 825 Euclid Ave., with their deadline set for December 13. Multiple drop-off locations exist throughout the metro, making it simple to find a convenient spot near your home or workplace. All donated toys stay within the Kansas City community and benefit children up to age 17. This year’s estimated need has grown to 48,000 children, making every contribution meaningful.
What Toys Make the Biggest Impact
Organizations accept new, unwrapped toys suitable for all ages, with particular need for items appealing to pre-teens and teenagers. Consider sporting equipment, board games, books, cosmetics, purses, watches, and wallet gift sets, bath sets, radio control vehicles, or hand-held electronics. Gift cards work wonderfully for teenagers, giving them the freedom to choose something they truly want.
Organizations Leading the Way
Toys for Tots, organized and run by the Marine Corps, represents the largest holiday toy drive in the Kansas City region. The program partners with local fire departments, churches, and community organizations to maximize their reach.
Operation Breakthrough provides Christmas assistance to families in the Kansas City area, with their 2024 program helping over 3,400 children through their Adopt-A-Family initiative and Holiday Store. Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City accepts holiday donations throughout December and into January at their location on 2502 Cherry St. Johnson County Christmas Bureau supports low-income families in Johnson County, Kansas, demonstrating the widespread commitment to helping neighbors.
Teaching Kids the Value of Giving Back
Involving your family in toy drives creates powerful teaching moments. Children learn empathy when they understand that not every kid will wake up to presents on Christmas morning. Children’s Mercy offers a Junior Champions charm program that recognizes young donors and provides positive reinforcement for their acts of kindness. Letting kids select the toys they want to donate helps them understand the process better.
Important Deadlines and Family Participation
The Overland Park Convention Center’s final drop-off day is December 11, 2025, while Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center accepts toys until December 13. Ronald McDonald House prefers donations during the first week of December but continues accepting items throughout the month.
Families of all sizes can participate in toy drives. Many organizations welcome group donations from families, schools, businesses, and community groups. Anyone interested in hosting their own collection box can fill out online forms to become an official donation site.
If you’re interested in learning more about community giving initiatives and exploring neighborhoods known for their charitable spirit, check out articles and guides about Kansas City’s most generous communities.
The spirit of Kansas City shines brightest when the community rallies around children during the holidays. Your contribution, whether large or small, creates moments of pure joy for families facing difficult circumstances. This season, consider joining thousands of neighbors who believe every child deserves to experience the magic of the holidays.
Sources: opconventioncenter.com, kansascityconnect.info, samrodgers.org, jccb.org
Header Image Source: Ivy.D Design on Unsplash
