This is the easiest way to change a child’s holiday. Grab one toy. Drop it off. Done. That toy goes straight to a kid who needs it—a kid who’ll open it on Christmas morning and feel what it’s like to have someone care.
Arlington’s Mission Joy Toy Drive is back for its second year, and this time it’s bigger and better than ever. Over 14 huge boxes of toys came through last year. This year they’re counting on you to help fill even more.
What Mission Arlington Actually Does
Mission Arlington’s Christmas Store isn’t just handing out toys. It’s letting families in need come in and choose gifts for their children themselves. That dignity matters. That choice matters. A parent gets to pick something they know their kid will love. That’s different from just being handed a bag.
Every adult who comes through also hears the story of Christmas from volunteers who care. It’s not just about the toys. It’s about community, about belonging, about mattering.
How to Donate—It’s Stupid Easy
Collection boxes are located throughout the city at Arlington ISD campuses, Arlington fire stations, libraries, recreation centers and City Hall. Just donate a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl.
That’s it. One toy. Unwrapped. Drop it off. You’re done.
Donations are being accepted now through Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
The Grand Finale Party
Don’t just drop it and go. Come to the celebration. From 5 to 7 p.m. on December 3 at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts, there’s a festive drive-thru toy drop-off celebration with live holiday music and entertainment from talented Arlington ISD students. Tillie Burgin, Mission Arlington’s executive director, and her team will be there.
Hot chocolate. Cookies. Student performances from Blanton Elementary, Boles Junior High, and Martin High. This isn’t a cold transaction. This is the community doing what the community does.
Why Last Year Was Magic
Last year, in freezing weather, people showed up. Lots of them. They collected 14 huge boxes of toys, plus another truck full of bikes. When organizers saw the donations, they said “I never want it to stop. We are surrounded with every possible group in this city because they want to help and give to children and make a difference.” That’s the energy. That’s what happens when a community comes together.
Who’s Behind This
Arlington ISD is collaborating with the City of Arlington, the Arlington Fire Department, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Texas Trust to make this happen. This isn’t one organization. This is your whole city saying “we’ve got this.”
The Real Impact
The toys collected will stock the Mission Arlington Christmas Store to provide families in need with an opportunity to choose gifts for their loved ones. Every toy you donate goes to a real kid in Arlington. A kid in your community. Someone whose parents are doing everything they can and still need a little help to make Christmas feel magical.
Do It This Week
You’ve got until December 3. Find a drop-off location. Grab a toy. Drop it off. Or better yet, come to the party on December 3 and drop it off in person while the kids are performing and the community is celebrating.
For drop-off locations and more details, visit www.aisd.net/community/mission-joy/
This is what a community looks like. This is what caring actually means. Don’t overthink it. Just do it.
