Holiday Carnival Toy Drive
Every year, KYCC launches a toy drive campaign to gather at least 1,000 toys to distribute at our Annual Holiday Carnival. This event is free for the community, and targets low-income residents of our neighborhood. Our hope is to give every family that attends a warm and memorable holiday experience. The carnival includes our toy giveaway, live entertainment, games, arts and crafts, and numerous resources.
Our Holiday Carnival is truly a community-led effort and we rely on our partners’ support to make this event happen every year. We have a variety of ways in which interested individuals and organizations can be part of the carnival, and our Toy Drive is one of our most popular. Last year, we’re grateful to have 15+ toy drive partners who raised hundreds of toys on our behalf. If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity, please check out our FAQ below and please feel free to contact us to join or for any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How can I help?
A: KYCC is seeking individuals or organizations to lead toy drives for our 30th Annual Holiday Carnival.
Q: Who are the toys going to?
A: Every year, KYCC gives out well over 1,000 new and wrapped toys to children 0-10 at our Annual Holiday Carnival. The vast majority of households attending the event make less than $35,000/year, nearly half of whom make less than $20,000/year.
Q: Are there any toy guidelines?
A: Yes, we kindly ask the following:
- New gifts appropriate for children ages 0-10.
- Please, no guns, makeup, clothing, or shoes.
- Our ask is that each child receive a toy valued at at least $15.
- Need ideas? Shop from our Amazon wishlist here.
Q: Should I wrap the gifts?
A: Wrapping is totally optional. KYCC hosts giftwrapping events (which you’re welcome to join) so we’re happy to take care of that, but you’re also welcome to do it yourself (just let us know so we can share some guidelines for labelling).
Q: Can I be part of the holiday carnival event itself?
A: YES! We’d love to have you also join as a carnival volunteer to see the impact your donation is making. Toy drive teams also get priority registration for volunteering.
Q: When are toys needed by?
A: We ask that unwrapped toys be delivered by November 30th, and wrapped toys by December 7th.
Q: Do you offer pickup of toys?
A: You may drop off the toys at our offices, or we are able to offer limited pickup to locations within 5 miles of our administrative headquarters in Koreatown.
Q: I have more questions/I want to sign up!
A: Please contact Ernie Yoshikawa at eyoshikawa@kyccla.org or (213) 365-7400 Ext. 5239.
