DVIP is partnering with local organizations on a holiday toy drive from November 8th through December 23rd. The toys collected during the drive will provide inventory for DVIP’s Holiday Store program, which provides free gifts for the children and families receiving shelter and outreach services.

Participating locations include:

• Scheels (Coralville)
• Bluebird Diner (North Liberty)
• The Knit Hole (Downtown Iowa City, in the Wells Fargo building)
• First Presbyterian Church (Iowa City)
• Red’s Ale House (North Liberty)
• Lepic-Kroeger Realtors (Iowa City)
• Iowa Gym-Nest (Coralville)
• Applebees (Coralville)
• Zen Salon & Spa (Downtown Iowa City)
• Hurts Donuts (Coralville)

Our toy wish list includes the following items:

• Wal-Mart gift cards
• Target gift cards
• Magnet Tiles
• African-American dolls and Barbies
• Kitchen playsets
• PJs: Size 10 and up
• Headphones/earbuds
• Fortnite toys
• Minecraft toys
• Slime kits
• Action figures
• Hoverboards and scooters
• LOL Dolls
• Legos
• Art sets

Each location will host a toy collection barrel with attached shopping lists. The toys collected during the drive will provide free holiday gifts for any family receiving shelter and outreach services from DVIP. Families can select items specific to their children’s interests and needs. Each child is provided with large gifts, stocking stuffers, pajamas, and a stuffed animal.

“The holidays can be a stressful time for families experiencing trauma and upheaval. Our Holiday Store ensures no family is left out of the magic of the season,”  says Alta Medea-Peters, Director of Community Engagement. “The Holiday Store allows families to participate in the entire gift-giving experience. Parents have the joy of selecting items for their children, and the kids have the surprise of receiving gifts during the holidays.”

Donations can also be made here.

Thank you to all of our community partners who are making the season bright for the children and families we serve!