A season-long mission to brighten the holidays for kids in need is underway, led by the Pagosa Community Initiative (PCI).
The Chrystal Snow Memorial Holiday Toy Drive invites families, neighbors and local businesses to join in collecting and distributing new toys to children across the county.
What’s happening
• Purpose: Gather and distribute new, unwrapped toys for children in Archuleta County.
• When: Ongoing this holiday season, with active drop-off boxes at various local businesses and a final push outside Walmart from Nov. 29 through Dec. 11.
• Where: Drop-off centers at participating local businesses (listed below), plus outside Walmart after Thanksgiving.
• How to help: Donate toys, sign up to volunteer, participate in in-store toy drives with local partners or sponsor events.
Drop-off locations
Boxes are already in place at: Ace Hardware, Rosie’s Pizza, Walmart, Wyndham, Kip’s, Riff Raff, Pagosa Springs Barbershop, Community United Methodist Church, Bank of the San Juans, Bliss Scoops and Sweets, Uncle’s, FroYo, and Pagosa Baking Company.
Special note: Outside Walmart collection will run Nov. 29–Dec. 11.
Need toys or want to help?
If your family needs toys, contact PCI at (970) 585-6253 or visit the PCI website.
To volunteer, go to www.pagosacommunityinitiative.org and click on “volunteer” to sign up to help us man the table outside Walmart (big need).
Why it matters
Last year, the toy drive supported more than 200 children and their families.
Organizers stress that every donation helps ensure a memorable holiday for kids, and they aim to reach teens, who are often underserved in toy drives. The effort also coordinates with schools and community groups to identify those most in need.
Additionally, you can drop off to PCI’s office at 550 B Hot Springs Blvd., open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, call (970) 585-6253 or visit the PCI website.
A community-driven effort to brighten the holidays, the Chrystal Snow Memorial Toy Drive invites everyone to drop off a toy, lend a hand or simply help spread the word. Each gesture helps light up the season for local families.
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