Business Community Fundraiser Donated $40,000+ in Toys and Donations to Local Charities Last Year
Saratoga Springs, NY — The Toys for Toga holiday toy drive kicked off its 13th annual season today on Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga Springs, giving away free one-pound bags of Death Wish Coffee to raise awareness for the upcoming campaign, which officially begins Monday, November 3.
Now in its 13th year, Toys for Toga is a partnership of more than 100 Saratoga County businesses that join together each holiday season to collect toys and monetary donations for local children and families in need. In 2024, the campaign donated 4,500 toys valued at more than $40,000 to three Saratoga County charities: Franklin Community Center (Saratoga Springs), CAPTAIN Community Human Services (Clifton Park), and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (Mechanicville).
Those who donated a toy at Wednesday’s kickoff received a Happy Hour punch card valid for special offers at participating Caroline Street bars and restaurants throughout the Toys for Toga campaign, which runs November 3 through December 13.
“Toys for Toga has become a cherished Saratoga tradition—one that perfectly reflects our community’s generosity and spirit,” said Darryl Leggieri, President of Discover Saratoga and a founding member of Toys for Toga. “It’s amazing to see so many local businesses and individuals come together year after year to make the holidays brighter for children across Saratoga County.”
Starting Monday, participating businesses—including restaurants, bars, hotels, retail stores, and more—will feature Toys for Toga collection bins in their lobbies for new, unwrapped toy donations. A complete list of drop-off locations is available at www.toysfortoga.com.
This year’s kickoff also coincides with Discover Saratoga’s 20th Annual Restaurant Week, taking place November 3–9, 2025. Diners can enjoy three-course dinners for $25 or $35 (plus tax and tip) or lunch specials for $15 at restaurants across Saratoga County. For menus, participating restaurants, and details, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/restaurantweek.
In addition to donating a toy, the public can support Toys for Toga in several ways:
- Free Coffee for Toys: Donate a toy valued at $20 or more at Death Wish Coffee, 260 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, Monday–Thursday, 11 AM–4 PM, and receive a free bag of coffee.
- Druthers Toys for Toga Winter Ale: Available in 4-packs at local beverage centers, grocery stores, and on tap at select Saratoga County bars and restaurants.
- Specialty Drinks: Order a Sun Cruiser Iced Tea Vodka, Green River Kentucky Bourbon, or Saratoga Water at participating downtown locations.
- Make a Monetary Donation: Visit www.toysfortoga.com to contribute via the campaign’s GoFundMe or directly to the Saratoga County Foundation, Inc.
Toys for Toga will also host several special events this year, including:
- Toys for Tattoos at Saratoga Tattoo Company – Saturday, December 6
- Quick Response Holiday Lights Toy Drive – Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13 (starting at 5 PM)
“The Mechanicville Area Community Services Center is incredibly excited to be a part of Toys for Toga again this year,” said MACSC Executive Director Megan Quillinan. “These local businesses will make the holidays shine for so many kids in our community. We truly appreciate and wish to thank every donor, sponsor and business involved. It truly takes a local community to make sure no one goes without.”
100% of all toys and monetary donations stay in Saratoga County, divided evenly among the three beneficiary organizations.
Businesses interested in joining the campaign are encouraged to reach out via the Toys for Toga Facebook page or contact Discover Saratoga for more information.
Important links:
More information and full list of donation locations: www.toysfortoga.com
GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/toys-for-toga-fundraiser-to-help-saratoga-county-kids-2025
Toys for Toga Facebook page: www.facebook.com/toysfortoga
Discover Saratoga Restaurant Week: www.discoversaratoga.org/restaurantweek
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About Toys for Toga
Founded in 2013, Toys for Toga is a locally run community partnership and fundraiser that collects toys and raises money to give local kids happy holidays. Partners include Discover Saratoga, Death Wish Coffee, DeCrescente Distributing Company, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Druthers Brewing Company, Quick Response Restoration, Ball Corporation, Brewnited, Saratoga Water, Sun Cruiser Iced Tea Vodka and Franklin Square Market. Everything collected is split between three local charities: Franklin Community Center (Saratoga), CAPTAIN Community Human Services (Clifton Park) and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.
