This guidebook is meant to stand on its own — so you can host your own toy drive, wherever you live. It’s a simple, repeatable process Ellory has used through Toys for Tots — designed for anyone to copy.
Why this guide exists
Most people want to help — they just aren’t sure where to start. This guide removes the friction. It turns “I want to do something” into a simple plan you can actually follow through on.
The goal isn’t to make one event look good. The goal is to make it easy for more people to lead their own drives — so the impact can spread.
What generosity really looks like
Giving isn’t about who has the most. It’s about who has the chance. The best drives create dignity — where everyone can participate in a way that works for them.
Service isn’t a title — it’s a choice. Start where you are, keep it simple, and let other people see they can lead too.
Ellory Grace
This isn’t about one day. It’s about what happens when one person starts — and someone else realizes they can do it too.
The blueprint
Think of this as a repeatable model. You can use it for toys, food, hygiene kits, school supplies — whatever your community needs most. The point is not perfection. It’s follow-through.
- Invite people in (without pressure)
- Collect and organize donations
- Deliver to a trusted drop-off location (or schedule pickup)
- Thank contributors quickly — gratitude keeps momentum alive
- Encourage someone else to lead next
The 6 steps
Pick your community
Start where you already belong: school, team, neighborhood, studio, or your friend group.
Choose one drop-off spot
Use one clear place: a box, bin, table, or a trusted home/business location. One spot prevents confusion.
Share one clear ask
Invite people to donate new, unwrapped toys. One toy still counts.
- New & unwrapped
- All ages
- No minimum, no pressure
Collect + keep it organized
Pick a simple deadline. Use one bag/box. Keep it manageable so it actually happens.
Drop off (or schedule pickup)
Deliver to your nearest Toys for Tots location (or schedule pickup if available). Every donation matters.
Send thank-yous
Thank donors and helpers. Gratitude is what makes people willing to show up again — and tells them they mattered.
Pro tips
Create a wishlist: Make an Amazon wishlist and share the link with friends/family who prefer to donate online.
The secret is simply to ask: Text 5 people, post a story, ask one friend to repost. Most people want to help — they just need an invite.
Templates
Choose a template, tap “Copy”, then paste into email, DMs, or your group chat.
Subject: Mini Toy Drive — New, Unwrapped Toys Hi everyone, I’m organizing a small community toy drive, and I’d love your help if you’re able. We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages — and even one donation makes a difference. If you’d like to donate online, here’s the wishlist link: [insert link] If you’d rather drop off a toy in person, I’ll have a drop-off spot on [day] between [time–time]. Message me and I’ll share the location. Thank you for supporting this — truly, every little bit helps. [Your name]
DM (Simple) Hi! I’m organizing a mini toy drive and we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys. If you’d like to donate, here’s the wishlist link: [insert link] Thank you so much! DM (With Drop-Off) Hey! I’m organizing a mini toy drive and put together a wishlist with the toys we’re collecting: [insert link] Thank you! If you’d rather drop off a toy in person, I’ll have a drop-off spot on [day] from [time–time]. Just message me for the address.
Hey everyone! I’m organizing a mini toy drive and we’re collecting new, unwrapped toys. If you want to help, here’s the wishlist: [insert link] If you prefer an in-person drop-off, I’ll have a drop-off spot on [day] between [time–time]. DM me for the address — thank you!
[Name], thank you so much for donating. Your kindness helped make this drive possible, and I’m truly grateful. [Name], thank you for supporting the toy drive. Your donation made a real difference — I appreciate you. [Name], thank you for contributing. Your generosity means a lot — thanks again for helping.
Meet Ellory Grace
Ellory Grace is building a youth-led culture of service.
Ellory wrote this guidebook so other people can take what she’s learned through toy drives and replicate the process in their own communities — without needing permission, a title, or a big platform. If you start one, you’re already part of it.
Visit ElloryGrace.com