3:47pm | Right in the thick of the holiday season, several local organizations are holding toy drives for Long Beach children and it’s easy for you to get involved.

The Long Beach Police and Fire departments are holding a joint Toy Patrol drive, their annual effort to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys and deliver them to children in need. There is a particular need for toys aimed at boys and girls aged 12 and up. From the Long Beach Police Department: “Officers come in contact with families and children every day who are less fortunate due to circumstances beyond their control. The Long Beach Police Department invites you to join us in spreading the joy of the holiday season to those families by donating to this worthy cause.”

Dropoff zones are located at police headquarters and all substations, as well as fire stations and public libraries.

The Long Beach Rescue Mission is another notable organization looking for donations of toys for children aged 1-18. The non-profit recently received a massive shipment of more than 60,000 for the homeless and needy in Long Beach, and will host its annual Toy Giveaway for about 1,000 kids on December 22. Many of the children participating will not receive anything else for the holidays. They are also accepting canned food.

“These gifts represent love, hope and support to our neighborhood families,” said Mission CEO Jim Lewis. “As a community driven program, its success is dependent on the continued partnership of our
generous donors and volunteers.”

Contact the mission at 562.591.1292 to volunteer or donate to the event.

Local bank Farmers & Merchants is also looking to lend a hand, off the success of their program last year that sent 5,600 gifts to Toys For Tots. New, unwrapped toys can be left at any of their Long Beach branches between today and December 17, with a special need for children aged 12-16.

Know of any other holiday drives? Post contact information or addresses in the Comments section below.