Lancaster County’s Toys for Tots Faces Heartbreaking Shortage — Santa Needs Your Help
Picture this: a child wakes up on Christmas morning, hoping for a gift that shows someone cares. But this year, for hundreds of kids in Lancaster County, that hope is fading fast. The local Toys for Tots program is facing a critical shortage of toys, and the clock is ticking.
Demand has surged by nearly 17% compared to previous years, leaving the organization 10,000 toys short of its goal. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure every child receives three brand-new toys. But right now, that promise is slipping away.
The hardest hit? Kids ages 9–12. These children dream of “wow factor” gifts—bikes, scooters, LEGO sets, or tech toys—but the shelves are bare. For many families, Toys for Tots is their only hope to bring joy to their children this holiday season.
Santa on the Bridge: A Beacon of Hope
This year, Santa himself will stand on the Veterans Memorial Bridge, waving to cars and reminding us what the season is all about—giving. It’s a powerful symbol of hope, but Santa can’t do it alone. He needs us to step up and make sure every child feels the magic of Christmas.
Where You Can Donate
You can be the reason a child smiles this Christmas. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are urgently needed and can be dropped off at:
- U-Haul in Columbia: 975 Columbia Ave., Columbia, PA 17512
- Level Up Gaming: 436 Locust Street, Columbia, PA — in the official Toys for Tots box for those who can’t make it to the U-Haul facility. (Please note: Level Up Gaming does not accept monetary donations.)
- Santa on the Bridge Event: Bring a toy when you come to see Santa and help fill the donation boxes right there on the bridge.
Every toy matters. Every act of kindness counts. If you’ve ever wondered what holiday magic looks like, it’s in the eyes of a child who feels remembered, loved, and valued.
