The 14th Annual Toys for Toga campaign is officially underway, bringing together local businesses, organizations, and residents to make the holiday season brighter for Saratoga County children and families in need.

Campaign organizers gathered on Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga Springs on November 10 to kick off the annual fundraiser, recognize new sponsors, and highlight ways the community can get involved.

Last year, Toys for Toga collected more than 5,500 toys and raised over $18,000, helping support 2,552 local children. This year, organizers hope to build on that success, with an increased focus on monetary donations to purchase gifts and essential items for older children and teens.

“Toys for Toga is a wonderful example of what makes Saratoga County such a special place,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga. “Each year, our local businesses and community members come together to make a meaningful difference for families right here in our community. We're proud to support this tradition and encourage everyone to get involved in whatever way they can.”

How to Support Toys for Toga

Residents and businesses can participate in several ways:

  • Donate a Toy: Drop off new, unwrapped toys at participating businesses throughout Saratoga County. Visit www.toysfortoga.com for list of toy bin locations.
  • Make a Monetary Donation: Contribute through GoFundMe or the Saratoga County Foundation to help purchase items from local charities' wish lists.
  • Host a Collection Box: Local businesses can collect toys from customers, employees, and visitors.
  • Attend a Fundraising Event: Participate in community events throughout November and December.

Max Oswald and Brewnited are taking a leading role in this year's campaign, helping coordinate monetary donations to fulfill specific needs identified by the participating charities.

“Every child deserves to experience the magic of the holiday season, and that's what Toys for Toga is all about,” said Max Oswald of Brewnited. “For so many families in our community, the holidays can be a difficult time. Whether it's donating a toy, making a monetary contribution, or attending a fundraising event, every act of generosity makes a difference. Together, we can make sure more local children feel the joy of the season.”

Upcoming Toys for Toga Fundraising Events

The community is invited to support Toys for Toga at several upcoming events:

  • November 14: We Brew the Funny at Artisanal Brew Works
  • November 25: King's Bingo
  • December 3: 40th Annual Victorian Streetwalk
  • December 10: Bourbon Dinner at Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs
  • December 11 & 12: Quick Response Holiday Lights Toy Collection
  • December 12: Toys for Toga Kickball Tournament
  • December 13: Toys for Tattoos
  • December 16: Dine to Donate at Cantina

Additional event details and updates are available on the Toys for Toga Facebook page and at www.toysfortoga.com.

New Sponsors Join the Community Effort

Toys for Toga is welcoming several new sponsors and community partners this year, including Stewart's Shops, which contributed $500, and Business for Good, which donated $2,500. Camelot Printing has also made an in-kind donation valued at approximately $3,250, providing promotional pin-ups and coasters to help raise awareness and encourage community participation. DZ Restaurants donated $1 from every Restaurant Week meal sold, while Cantina is hosting its first Toys for Toga Dine to Donate event on December 16, donating 33% of proceeds to the campaign.

These new sponsors join returning partners Discover Saratoga, DeCrescente Distributing Company, Druthers Brewing Company, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Quick Response Restoration, Death Wish Coffee, Franklin Square Market, Sun Cruiser Iced Tea Vodka, Saratoga Water, Eco Leaf Logistics, and Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs.

Supporting Saratoga County Children and Families

All donations stay in Saratoga County, benefiting three local nonprofit organizations: Franklin Community Center (Saratoga Springs), CAPTAIN Community Human Services (Clifton Park), and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. These organizations work directly with local families to ensure donations reach children who need them most.

Toy and monetary donations will be accepted through December 16. The campaign will conclude with an official wrap-up celebration on Thursday, December 17, at 11 a.m. at DeCrescente Distributing Company, where organizers will recognize the community's generosity and share the campaign's results. Following the press conference, toys and monetary donations will be distributed to the three beneficiary organizations. Members of the media are invited to attend.

For additional information, visit www.toysfortoga.com.