As the holiday season settles over the Queen City, WCNC Charlotte and The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte have kicked off their annual Magical Toy Drive, a signature effort dedicated to making sure children in struggling families still get to experience the joy of Christmas morning. With economic pressures, rising living costs and ongoing challenges for many households, organizers say this year’s drive is more important than ever.
For families relying on assistance, the holiday season can be stressful, especially when there’s not enough room in the budget for gifts. The Magical Toy Drive steps in to help fill that gap—ensuring local kids don’t go without. The initiative encourages community members to donate new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children of all ages across the Charlotte area.
Residents can support the drive in several ways. Toy drop-off locations are set up throughout the city, and special drive-thru donation events will allow supporters to hand off their gifts directly to WCNC on-air personalities and Salvation Army volunteers. For those who prefer to give digitally, online monetary donations are accepted, enabling the Salvation Army to purchase toys tailored to age-specific needs.
Leaders behind the campaign emphasize that every contribution matters—whether it’s a single toy, a bag full of gifts, or a small financial donation. Each act of generosity directly impacts a child who might otherwise face an empty holiday season.
With thousands of Charlotte-area kids depending on holiday assistance programs, the Magical Toy Drive continues to be a powerful example of how the city comes together to uplift its own. By donating, residents aren’t just giving toys—they’re giving hope, memories, and a moment of joy that families will carry with them long after the holidays are over.
For those interested in participating, donation details, event dates, and online giving links can be found through WCNC and The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte.
(Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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