Toledo’s holiday season of giving is about to begin. 13abc’s annual tree lighting ceremony and Hope for the Holidays Toy Drive kick-off is Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, and the public is invited to join the 13abc team as the drive gets underway.

Bring a new, unwrapped toy and help make the holidays brighter for children in need across the Toledo area. The Hope for the Holidays Toledo drive has become one of the community’s biggest annual traditions of giving — and this year’s kick-off, with the tree lighting, is the moment it all begins.

File photo: Christmas tree lighting ceremony. (Wikimedia Commons)

A tradition built on Toledo generosity

Since 2011, the community has donated more than 370,000 toys through the drive. That long record of giving has helped thousands of local children wake up to a gift on Christmas morning.

Last year set a new high-water mark. The 2025 drive collected a record 27,000 toys for children in need, including more than 15,000 toys collected at the 2025 Drive-Thru Bash alone.

Where the toys go

The Salvation Army distributes the donations to children and families in need. Partners in the effort include the Salvation Army and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves (Toys for Tots). You can read more about how donated toys reach kids in need in this Mercy Health blog post.

Every toy donated helps a local child — and every year, Toledo shows up. Bring a toy on Nov. 13, join the celebration, and help kick off another season of giving.

Full event details are available from 13abc.