The Pagosa Community Initiative (PCI) is inviting every neighbor, business and classroom to rally behind the Chrystal Snow Memorial Holiday Toy Drive, a community-wide effort to ensure every child experiences a joyful holiday season.
Why this matters now
As the holidays approach, local families face extra hurdles in gift-giving.
The toy drive is designed to lift that burden by providing new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages, with special attention to teens, who are often left out of similar drives.
The program partners with local businesses and community groups to reach those most in need, turning generosity into real smiles. Already we have close to 200 children signed up to receive gifts, and it’s not even December yet.
What to expect this season
The mission is to collect and distribute new toys to Archuleta County kids in need.
The drive runs throughout the holiday season, with multiple drop-off points at familiar local spots, plus a prominent collection outside Walmart from Nov. 29 to Dec. 11.
Community members can participate by donating toys, volunteering their time, joining in-store drives with local partners or sponsoring the effort.
All the toys and funds raised will stay in Archuleta County and not be distributed anywhere else.
Where to drop off
Drop-off boxes are available at a growing list of trusted locations, including Ace Hardware, Rosie’s Pizza, Walmart, Wyndham, Kip’s, Riff Raff, Pagosa Springs Barbershop, the Community United Methodist Church, Bank of the San Juans, Bliss Scoops and Sweets, Uncle’s, FroYo, and Pagosa Baking Company.
Boxes are ready for your generosity. Wrapping paper is also a need as we give the gifts to the parents or caretakers in secret and allow them to prepare and give them to their children. This encourages family bonding and also elevates dignity.
Supporting families in need
If your family could use a boost this season, PCI is ready to help. Reach out at (970) 585-6253 or visit the PCI website for more information.
Volunteers can also sign up at www.pagosacommunityinitiative.org by clicking the tab “volunteer” to help with Walmart collections and other duties.
Please also consider signing up for a monthly donation. However big or small, the funds go a long way to supporting our communities’ families throughout the year.
A ripple of impact
Last year’s toy drive touched the lives of more than 200 children and families, underscoring that small acts of giving can create big moments of joy.
This year, organizers aim to expand reach and ensure every age group, including teens, benefits from the season of giving.
How you can get involved today
Consider donating new, unwrapped toys suitable for children of all ages; volunteering to help with collecting, sorting and distributing toys; spreading the word to friends, co-workers, schools and faith communities; or sponsoring the effort with financial support or logistical help.
Special notes
Santa will join us in front of Walmart helping us spread the cheer on Dec. 6 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Join us that day in an attempt to stuff our PCI bus with gifts for our local youth.
Important details
Additional drop-off is available at the PCI offices, 550 B Hot Springs Blvd., open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (970) 585-6253 or visit the PCI website.
Join the Chrystal Snow Memorial Toy Drive and turn this season into a movement of care. Your toy, your time and your voice can light up a child’s holiday and strengthen the fabric of our community.
There truly is a gift in giving, and we thank you for your support.
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