By Carrie Blue-White
Pagosa Community Initiative
The Pagosa Community Initiative (PCI) is calling on neighbors, businesses and schools to support the Chrystal Snow Memorial Holiday Toy Drive, a countywide effort to ensure every child experiences a joyful holiday.
Why it matters
As the holidays approach, families face extra gift-giving hurdles. The toy drive collects new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages, with special attention to teens, who are often overlooked.
The program partners with local businesses and groups to turn generosity into joy. Already, about 200 children have signed up to receive gifts, even before December, highlighting the community’s growing commitment and need.
What to expect this
season
The mission is to collect and distribute new toys to Archuleta County kids in need. The drive runs through the holiday season, with multiple drop-off points at familiar local spots, including a prominent collection outside Walmart through Dec. 11.
Community members can donate toys, volunteer, participate in in-store drives with local partners or sponsor the effort. All gifts and funds stay in Archuleta County.
Where to drop off
Drop-off boxes are located at 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.
Wrapping paper is also appreciated as we encourage the bond of families and allow the parents/caregivers to gift with dignity. Supplying wrapping paper really helps fill the entire need and elevates the spirit of the season with the parents/caregivers getting credit, not an organization, on Christmas morning.
Support for families in need
If your family could use a boost, PCI invites you to reach out at (970) 585-6253 or visit the PCI website for details. Volunteers can sign up at pagosacommunityinitiative.org by selecting the “volunteer” tab to assist with Walmart collections and other duties. Consider a monthly donation — every bit helps sustain community programs year-round.
Impact and involvement
Last year’s toy drive touched the lives of 206 children, underscoring how small acts of giving can create big moments of joy. This year, organizers aim to extend reach to all age groups, including teens.
Get involved today
• Donate new, unwrapped toys for all ages.
• Volunteer to collect, sort and distribute toys.
• Help spread the word to schools, faith communities and local businesses.
• Sponsor the effort with financial or logistical support.
Special notes
Santa will visit in front of Walmart on Dec. 6 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. to help spread cheer and join in “stuffing” the PCI bus with gifts for local youth.
Additional drop-off is available at the PCI offices, 550 B Hot Springs Blvd., Monday through Thursday, 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 brighten a child’s holiday and strengthen our community. There really is a gift in giving, and the community thanks you for your support.
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