The Houston Fire Department (HFD) is calling on businesses, schools, churches, community organizations and individuals to help make the holidays brighter for Houston-area children and families through the annual Operation Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive, presented by Shell.
Community members are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys or host collection drives at their workplaces, schools, places of worship or neighborhoods. Monetary donations are also accepted and will help the program purchase additional toys ahead of its holiday distribution event.
“Operation Stocking Stuffer represents the very best of Houston. It is an opportunity for our community to come together, support families, and help make the holiday season brighter for children who might otherwise go without,” said HFD Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz. “We encourage businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in this effort. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference.”
There are several ways to support Operation Stocking Stuffer:
Host a toy collection drive. Businesses, schools, churches, civic groups and other organizations can register to host their own toy collection drives. Collection boxes and promotional flyers may be requested through the event website at osstoydrive.com.
Donate new toys. The program seeks new, unwrapped, gender-neutral toys suitable for children across a range of age groups. Used toys and stuffed animals cannot be accepted. An Amazon Wish List is available on the OSS website for easy shopping.
Make a monetary donation. Financial contributions help the program purchase toys and expand its impact. Individuals and businesses can donate securely through the official OSS website.
New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any HFD fire station from Monday, Nov. 2, through Thursday, Dec. 10.
Organizations and businesses collecting toys on behalf of Operation Stocking Stuffer are asked to deliver donations between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the same window to the central drop-off location:
Operation Stocking Stuffer 1801 Main St., 7th Floor Houston, TX 77002
Organizations that need assistance with toy pickup should contact the OSS team in advance, as pickup arrangements are subject to availability.
The annual toy distribution is set for Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Fonde Community Center, 110 Sabine St., Houston. Distribution begins at 8 a.m. and continues on a first-come, first-served basis until all toys have been given out.
The Houston Food Bank will also be on-site, distributing shelf-stable pantry boxes and bags of fresh produce.
Assistant Fire Chief Richard Galvan, who is leading the department’s Operation Stocking Stuffer effort, stressed the importance of community involvement.
“Every year, the generosity of our community helps make Operation Stocking Stuffer possible. We are asking local businesses and organizations to take the lead by hosting toy drives, encouraging employee participation, and inviting their customers and neighbors to give,” said Chief Galvan. “Monetary donations are equally important because they allow us to purchase additional toys and help meet the needs of the program. Together, we can make a real difference for families across our great city.”
Organizations interested in hosting a collection drive can register at osstoydrive.com/collect-toys. For more information, visit osstoydrive.com.
