Christmas 2026 · Waco, Texas

A brighter Christmas starts with community.

Toys from the Heart connects local families with Christmas assistance and brings neighbors together to collect gifts for children in need.

Apply for Christmas Assistance Ways to Help
Santa waving at a charity bicycle giveaway
Every toy helps bring Christmas joy.

For families

How to apply for Christmas assistance

We want the process to be clear from start to finish. Here's what to expect when you apply.

1

Start your application

Enter your name and email address. Check your inbox for a confirmation link, then complete the application and add each child in your household.

2

We review eligibility

Your application is reviewed and participating schools help verify student enrollment. Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.

3

Watch for your next steps

Check your email for application updates. If selected, you'll receive pickup instructions privately, including the designated hours and location. Please arrange for yourself or someone you trust to pick up toys.

Important information for families
  • Distribution Date: Saturday, December 19, 2026. Pickup hours and location will be shared privately.
  • Limited Availability: Assistance depends on donated toys and is not guaranteed.
  • Pickup Arrangements: If selected, you or someone you trust must be able to pick up toys during the designated hours.

Common questions

Have questions? Start here.

Find answers to common questions about applying, approval and toy pickup.

How do I apply for Christmas assistance?
Select Apply for Christmas Assistance. Enter your contact information, confirm your email using the link we send, and complete one application for your household. Include information for each child in your household.
How do I know whether my application was approved?
Watch the email address you used to register, including your spam or junk folder. Applications are reviewed for eligibility, and the number of families we can serve depends on available donations. We'll contact families about their application status.
When and where will I pick up toys?
Toy distribution is scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2026. If selected, you or someone you trust must be able to pick up during the designated hours. We'll send pickup hours and the location privately. Volunteers will guide families through the toy selection process. Please do not arrive unless you've received pickup instructions.
What if I don't receive my confirmation email?
Check your spam, junk, and promotions folders, and make sure the email address was entered correctly. Please allow a few minutes for delivery. If you still have not received the email, please use our contact form for help rather than starting another application.
Can I submit more than one application?
Please submit only one application per household. Include all children in that application. Additional or duplicate submissions may require review and can delay processing.
Are specific toys or gifts guaranteed?
No. Toy availability depends on donations. We may ask what your children enjoy to help guide collection and purchasing decisions, but particular gifts cannot be promised.

Give joy this Christmas

There are several ways to help.

Local businesses, churches, neighbors, and volunteers make this program possible.

Host a toy drop-off box

Offer a place for your community to collect new toys. Register your organization and we'll follow up about collection boxes and delivery.

Register a collection location

Volunteer

Share your information and let the team know you'd like to help with the toy drive.

Sign up to volunteer

Spread the word

Invite businesses, churches, and friends to participate. Every new collection location helps us reach more children.

Learn how the program works
A table filled with donated toys and games

Small acts of kindness add up.

Every collection box and every donated toy helps make this Christmas brighter for children in our community. Thank you for being part of it.

Ready to get started?

Apply once for your household, confirm your email, and watch for updates about your application.

Start Your Application

Still have a question? Contact us.