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Memphis Hosts Annual Toy Drive to Support Local Preschoolers

Families donating toys at a community event in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, December 3, 2025

As the holiday season draws near, Memphis is preparing for its cherished annual Toy Truck drive, spearheaded by Porter-Leath in collaboration with FOX13 Family Focus. This initiative aims to gather new, unwrapped toys for over 2,000 local preschoolers, fostering community spirit and encouraging volunteerism. The drive will occur over three weekends in December at multiple locations across the city, providing an opportunity for residents to contribute to the joy of young children in the community.

Memphis Hosts Annual Toy Drive to Support Local Preschoolers

Memphis, Tennessee โ€“ As the holiday season approaches, Memphis is gearing up for a heartwarming event that highlights community spirit and local entrepreneurship. The annual Toy Truck drive, organized by Porter-Leath in partnership with FOX13 Family Focus, is mobilizing residents to collect new, unwrapped toys for over 2,000 local preschool children aged six weeks to five years. This effort not only brings joy to young children but also fosters a sense of volunteerism within the Memphis community. The drive is set to unfold over three weekends in December at various convenient locations across the city.

Local entrepreneurs and businesses play a critical role in supporting such initiatives. Their involvement can inspire a ripple effect of giving, demonstrating how reduced red tape can facilitate community engagement and foster a more vibrant local economy. Encouraging a healthy business ecosystem supports initiatives like the Toy Truck drive, which aims to create a positive impact on the youngest members of our community and ensure they feel valued and cared for during the festive season.

Donation Locations and Schedule

  • December 5-7: FOX13 Family Focus at Poplar Plaza, 3440 Poplar Avenue.
  • December 13-14: WMC-TV Action News 5, 1960 Union Avenue.
  • December 20-21: IKEA, 7900 IKEA Way.

Residents can make donations during the specified dates and times at these locations. Accepted items include toys such as puzzles, dolls, trucks, and building blocks that promote early childhood learning. The drive also welcomes monetary donations, which will be matched by a community Secret Santa, up to $50,000, further incentivizing local contributions and ensuring more children receive gifts this holiday season.

How to Contribute

Community members are strongly encouraged to participate by dropping off new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations at the designated locations during the set dates and times. For those who may be unable to attend in person, virtual toy drives can be organized by contacting James Oโ€™Toole at (901) 577-2500 ext. 1043 or via email at [email protected], widening the potential for community engagement.

About Porter-Leath and the Toy Truck Drive

Porter-Leath, a Memphis-based organization with a long-standing commitment to at-risk children, has been orchestrating the Toy Truck drive since 2000. Over the years, this initiative has transformed into a beloved community event that unites residents and emphasizes collaborative efforts to support the cityโ€™s preschool population. Local innovation and community spirit, exemplified by the Toy Truck drive, underscore the beneficial environment fostered by Memphis entrepreneurs, which is vital for supporting initiatives that uplift families in need during the holiday season.

Contact Information

For additional information or to arrange a virtual toy drive, please reach out to James Oโ€™Toole at (901) 577-2500 ext. 1043 or via email at [email protected].

FAQ

What is the Toy Truck drive?

The Toy Truck drive is an annual event organized by Porter-Leath in partnership with FOX13 Family Focus to collect new, unwrapped toys for over 2,000 local preschool children aged six weeks to five years in Memphis, Tennessee.

When and where is the Toy Truck drive taking place?

The drive is scheduled over three weekends in December at the following locations:

  • December 5-7: FOX13 Family Focus at Poplar Plaza, 3440 Poplar Avenue.
  • December 13-14: WMC-TV Action News 5, 1960 Union Avenue.
  • December 20-21: IKEA, 7900 IKEA Way.

What items can I donate?

Donations can include new, unwrapped toys such as puzzles, dolls, trucks, and building blocks that promote early childhood learning. Monetary donations are also accepted and will be matched by a community Secret Santa, up to $50,000.

How can I set up a virtual toy drive?

To set up a virtual toy drive, contact James Oโ€™Toole at (901) 577-2500 ext. 1043 or via email at [email protected].

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact James Oโ€™Toole at (901) 577-2500 ext. 1043 or via email at [email protected].

Key Features

Feature Details
Event Name Annual Toy Truck Drive
Organizers Porter-Leath and FOX13 Family Focus
Purpose Collect new, unwrapped toys for over 2,000 local preschool children aged six weeks to five years
Donation Locations Poplar Plaza, WMC-TV Action News 5, IKEA
Donation Dates December 5-7, December 13-14, December 20-21
Accepted Items New, unwrapped toys (puzzles, dolls, trucks, building blocks) and monetary donations
Matching Donations Monetary donations up to $50,000 will be matched by a community Secret Santa
Contact Information James Oโ€™Toole at (901) 577-2500 ext. 1043 or [email protected]

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STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโ€”with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.

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