Toys for Tots Camden & Charlton: Bringing Christmas to 1,345 Local Kids
In Episode 119 of the Get ’N’ Your Business Podcast, host Alison Shores sits down with Michelle and Debbie to talk about the work happening behind the scenes to make Toys for Tots possible for families across Camden and Charlton counties. This isn’t simply a toy pickup. The local Toys for Tots program creates a full Christmas shopping experience, giving parents and guardians the opportunity to select age-appropriate gifts for their children with the help of volunteers. Last year alone, the local campaign served an incredible 1,345 children — 265 more than the previous year — while distributing 4,520 toys, 1,246 books, and 2,882 stocking stuffers.
Michelle and Debbie explain how much planning, organization, community support, and volunteer power goes into making distribution day happen. Around 70–75 volunteers were needed on shopping day alone last year, not including everyone who helped collect, sort, organize, and prepare thousands of donated items beforehand. One of the biggest needs this year is gifts for older children and teenagers. The local program serves young people through age 18, but donations often lean heavily toward toys for younger children. Suggested items for teens include sports equipment, hair dryers, makeup, personal-care items, and other useful gifts that are still fun to open on Christmas morning. The episode also explains how families can apply, how businesses can become collection locations or host fundraisers, and how anyone in the community can volunteer.
Top Highlights
1,345 children were served last year
4,520 toys were distributed
1,246 books and 2,882 stocking stuffers were given out
Families actually shop for their children instead of receiving a prepacked bag
The campaign serves both Camden and Charlton counties
Children and teens are served through age 18
Teen gifts and books are among this year’s biggest needs
Businesses can host toy collection boxes and fundraising events
Volunteer opportunities range from a few hours to helping throughout the campaign
Shopping Day is December 19, 2026
Important Dates
Family applications: October 1 – November 1, 2026
Families can visit ToysForTots.org, select “Find a Local Campaign,” and enter their ZIP code to locate the local campaign.
Toy collection boxes: Begin October 1
Shopping/Distribution Day: December 19, 2026
Distribution Location: Restoration Church
Camden and Charlton counties — Christmas starts with us.
Donate a new toy, pick up something for an older child or teenager, contribute books, host a collection box at your business, organize a fundraiser, or volunteer your time.
Every donation helps give a local child something special to open on Christmas morning.
Visit ToysForTots.org and find the local campaign to apply, donate, volunteer, or learn how your business can get involved.
Let’s make sure every child in our community has something to smile about this Christmas.
