With the support of a record 125 Saratoga County businesses, Toys for Toga donated an estimated 5,500 toys to three Saratoga County nonprofit human services organizations this year.
Included in this year’s donation was $18,000 in gifts and technology specifically designated for teenagers—an age group that often has the greatest unmet needs during the holiday season. These donations were made possible through generous sponsor support and the community fundraising efforts that have been the foundation of Toys for Toga since its inception. Items included video game consoles, tablets, headphones, scooters, bikes, clothing, and other wish-list items requested for specific children.
Toys for Toga donations are split evenly between the Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, and the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.
The donations were delivered to beneficiary organizations on Wednesday, December 17, following a press conference held at DeCrescente Distributing Company in Mechanicville. According to the recipient organizations, an estimated 1,700 children across Saratoga County will benefit from this year’s donations.
Toys were collected at local restaurants, hotels, bars, retail stores, schools, clubs, and other community locations from November 3 through December 13.
“Toys for Toga was founded on community partnership and a common goal of making the holidays specials for the kids in need right here in our community,” said Toys for Toga Founder Max Oswald. “We really saw that spirit come to life this year, with the most toys we’ve ever collected at a time when they are needed the most. Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s program a huge success.”
Other key fundraising efforts in this year’s Toys for Toga campaign included:
- Death Wish Coffee once again gave away free coffee for toys at their downtown Saratoga Springs offices.
- Druthers Brewing Company made four packs and kegs of its Toys for Toga Winter Ale, distributed by DeCrescente Distributing Company, that benefited the program.
- Sponsors DeCrescente Distributing Company, Death Wish Coffee, Sun Cruiser Iced Tea Vodka, Saratoga Water, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs, and more, returned this year.
- New supporters Green River Distillery and New Country Toyota.
- Fundraising/toy collection events at Saratoga Tattoo Company, Cantina Restaurant, Kings Tavern, the Victorian Street Walk, Quick Response Restoration and more.
“The Mechanicville Area Community Services Center is incredibly grateful to be a part of Toys for Toga again this year,” said MACSC Executive Director Megan Quillinan. “These local businesses will make the holidays shine for so many kids in our community. We truly appreciate and wish to thank every donor, sponsor and business involved. It truly takes a local community to make sure no one goes without.”
We can’t wait to do it again next year, so follow Toys for Toga on Facebook and Instagram to know when we’re ramping up for 2026’s campaign!