Toledo residents will see the start of the 16th annual Hope for the Holidays toy drive this Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, as the community rallies to collect gifts for families in need across northwest Ohio. The kickoff event featured a 50‑foot Christmas tree lighting at Levis Commons Town Center, an effort organized by 13abc and the shopping center.
According to 13abc, the tree lighting drew a crowd of children and adults who counted down before the lights illuminated the centerpiece. One young attendee said they hoped for “volleyball stuff and nail stuff” while another reflected that “Christmas is about the spirit of giving” and honoring “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The Salvation Army of Northwest Ohio, a key partner in the drive, highlighted that the need for holiday assistance is growing. Major Fritsch, area coordinator, noted an increase in first‑time help seekers, including grandparents raising grandchildren. Director Desere Silverwood of the Salvation Army Port Clinton added that the drive is “more than just toys and gifts; it’s about bringing hope to the families in our community.”
Since its inception in 2011, the drive has amassed more than 401,000 toys, with 28,000 toys collected in the most recent year alone. Operations manager Beth Schwandt said an average year sees about 1,500 families served, and she expects that number to rise this season as more working families face tough choices between basic needs and holiday gifts.
To accommodate the growing demand, the Salvation Army announced a new distribution location for this year: Lott Industries on Hill Avenue in Toledo. The organization emphasized that simple toys can have a profound impact, saying, “When they came to us asking for help, they had no hope. This is bringing hope to them.”
The drive will conclude with a large Drive‑Thru Bash on Dec. 4, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents are invited to drop off donations at multiple sites, including 13abc Studios at 4247 Dorr Street in Toledo, the Salvation Army facility on SR 163 in Port Clinton, the Salvation Army headquarters in Findlay, and the Woodland Mall in Bowling Green.
Additional drop‑off locations are available at Key Bank branches, Liberty Tax offices, White Family Dealerships, and Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault Co., L.P.A., among others. A full list of participating sites can be found on the 13abc website.
What’s next: Toledo residents can begin donating toys at any listed location immediately, with the final collection day set for Dec. 4. After the Drive‑Thru Bash, the Salvation Army will sort and distribute the toys to families throughout northwest Ohio, aiming to ensure every child experiences a joyful Christmas.
