As the holiday season winds down, local organizations are still looking for assistance from the West Hartford community.

Courtesy of Effie’s Place restaurant

Compiled by Ronni Newton

There are many organizations in the West Hartford area that are still counting on the generosity of the public in order to ensure that people are warm and fed, and children in need receive gifts this holiday season.

Effie’s Place Restaurant

The annual Toys For Tots Drive begins on Tuesday, Dec. 15. WDRC’s Brad Davis will be broadcasting live on Tuesday morning from 6 – 10 a.m. at Effie’s.

The Toys for Tots Drive will continue through Thursday, Dec. 17. Donations of unwrapped toys for children in need are very much appreciated.

AAA Toy Drive for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center

Even though it is just in its first year, the response has already been overwhelming for the AAA Toy Drive for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. AAA began collecting toys the day after Thanksgiving and will continue accepting donations of new unwrapped toys and clothing through Dec. 16.

Then, as it turns out, Santa can’t actually fly until Christmas Eve so a AAA flatbed will ‘tow’ Santa’s sleigh – overflowing with toys – to Connecticut Children’s on Friday, Dec. 18, accompanied by a number of AAA elves.

In addition to West Hartford, AAA has collection boxes in Enfield, Manchester, Plainville, Cromwell, Avon, Old Saybrook, and Waterford.

Petcare Food Drive for West Hartford Food Pantry

Petcare Veterinary Services, located at 64 Raymond Rd., is sponsoring a collection for the West Hartford Food Pantry. Please consider dropping off items during our regular business hours. Open to all, to stop in, drop off items and even get a treat for your pet. Thank you for helping us feed our neighbors!

We Are the Children Toy Drive at Toy Chest, Dec. 16

Local radio station 96.5 TIC will be broadcasting live on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Toy Chest, 975 Farmington Ave. in West Hartford, and will be collecting unwrapped toys for the station’s We Are The Children Christmas Party!

On air personalities, including Gary Craig, Damon Scott, and Gina J, will take turns broadcasting. Representatives from AMR ambulance will also participate and their ambulances will be stuffed with toys.

Becker’s and Battiston’s Coat Drive

Becker’s and Battiston’s have joined forces to help keep those less fortunate warm this winter season. Gently used coats can be dropped off at Becker’s, 65 LaSalle Rd., by Dec. 20.

“Stuff a Mini” Winter Clothing Collection

Mini Coopers will be parked in front of Treva and A’Vert Brasserie in West Hartford Center on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for details.

Did we miss anything?

If you know of any other donation opportunities, or need for volunteers, please post them in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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